SYDNEY, Sept 19 (Bernama-dpa) -- An investigation by a Hong Kong aviation authority identified a fuel hose issue in a number of Airbus A350 aircraft operated by Cathay Pacific, according to a preliminary report released on Thursday, reported the German news agency (dpa).
In the early hours of September 2, a Zurich-bound A350-1000 Cathay Pacific aircraft had to turn around shortly after taking off from Hong Kong Airport due to an engine fire. Nobody was hurt.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in response ordered the inspection of 86 jets of this type in use worldwide. The A350-1000 aircraft are equipped with Trent XWB-97 engines from the British engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce.
On Thursday, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) said in a preliminary report that a post-flight check revealed a rupture in the steel braided sheath of a fuel hose.
"Additionally, black soot was observed on the aft section of the core engine, indicating signs of a fire," the report said. "Burn marks were also noted on the underside of the two thrust reverser cowls."
The Hong Kong AAIA said it found issues with other fuel manifold hoses on other planes.
"Coupled with other contributing factors ... this could result in a fire that could spread to the surrounding area," the report said, calling for "swift action".
"If not promptly detected and addressed, this situation, along with further failures, could escalate into a more serious engine fire, potentially causing extensive damage to the aircraft."
The AAIA said the investigation is still ongoing.
"The Investigation Report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation, which will provide a comprehensive overview of this serious incident, its causes, and any recommendations to improve air safety," it said.
-- BERNAMA-dpa
