Fuel leaks alongside some improperly installed components were discovered in the engine of an American Airlines aircraft I set it on fire after it landed in Denver in March, according to a report released on Thursday.
The National Transportation Safety Board stated that several parts of the Boeing 737-800’s right engine were improperly secured and installed in the wrong orientation, which resulted in fuel leaking from incorrectly secured fittings.
The preliminary findings do not indicate a definitive cause for the fire, as the NTSB will reach a conclusion only after completing its investigation in the coming year.
However, former NTSB and FAA investigator Jeff Gutzetti noted that the engine issues seem to be the origin of the fuel that ignited the fire.
“To me, it appears to be improper maintenance of a functioning engine leading to fuel leaks,” Gutzetti said upon reviewing the NTSB report.
Images and videos shared online depict passengers standing on the wings of the aircraft amid swirling smoke after it was taxiing at the gates of Denver International Airport. Twelve individuals were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
The flight transported 172 passengers along with six crew members. The NTSB reported that gate personnel extinguished the fire within a minute, even before firefighters arrived, effectively managing any remaining hot spots on the aircraft.
“The safety of our customers and team members is our top priority, and we are cooperating fully with the National Transportation Safety Board in their investigation,” American Airlines said in a statement.
Photos within the NTSB report illustrate the exterior streaks on the engine caused by the leaking fuel. Additionally, airport video footage captures the aircraft taxiing at the gate, revealing traces of liquid leaking from beneath the right engine.
Gutzetti expressed his belief that these streaks likely formed while the aircraft was airborne. After landing, he speculates that the fuel pooled in the engine, leading to the subsequent fire.
The American Airlines flight originated from Colorado Springs airport, en route to Dallas, Fort Worth, but was diverted to Denver on March 13 due to reports of high engine vibrations. The right engine ignited shortly after reaching the gate.
According to the NTSB report, passengers began vocalizing “fire” and “smoke” shortly after the plane arrived at the gate, and flight attendants observed smoke starting to fill the cabin.
When a flight attendant contacted the flight crew and knocked on the cockpit door without receiving a response, they initiated an evacuation.
Passengers evacuated using the jetway through the front left door, as well as the escape slide on the rear right door and the left wing door. However, the rear left door failed to open; maintenance later found that the escape slide was jammed in the door.
The faulty slides have been sent to the manufacturer for further examination.
The country is experiencing recent air disasters and close calls that evoke fears about air travel, despite it being one of the safest modes of transportation.
Source: apnews.com