Aviation and Airlines (Commonwealth Union) _ IndiGo, India’s budget carrier, has faced recent mid-air engine issues on three flights, prompting concerns from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Two of the incidents occurred on the same day, August 29th, with one flight encountering engine trouble before landing in Mumbai, and another returning to Kolkata after an engine stall. The third incident happened on September 3rd. All three planes were powered by Pratt & Whitney (P&W) engines.
During the inspection of the first two planes, metallic chips were detected on the oil chip detector, and damage to the Stage 1 blades of the High-Pressure Turbine (HPT) was identified during a Boroscopic Inspection (BSI). The third plane experienced issues with low oil pressure and an external oil leak, although it did not show blade damage.
In response to these findings, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has requested Pratt & Whitney (P&W) to conduct a comprehensive investigation into these incidents. They have asked P&W to determine the likely causes of the blade damage, recommend any additional inspections deemed necessary, share data regarding similar global failures, and propose mitigation measures. This proactive approach is critical for ensuring the safety and reliability of aircraft engines.
The engine recall and inspections have arisen in the context of broader engine inspections conducted by RTX Corporation, the parent company of Pratt & Whitney (P&W). This recall impacts over 3,000 engines, and it may necessitate annual inspections for approximately 350 planes until 2026. The peak of the issue is expected in 2024 when as many as 650 planes could be grounded for inspection. The consequences of this situation extend globally, affecting numerous airlines worldwide and highlighting the critical importance of aircraft engine safety and maintenance.
