Europe Orders Checks On A350 Planes After Engine Fire On Cathay Flight

Europe’s air safety regulator has ordered inspections of engines on Airbus' flagship A350 jets after a fire broke out during a Cathay Pacific flight, CNN reported.

The inspections affect the larger of two A350 models, the A350-1000, which accounts for 15% of the A350 fleet (86 jets). I Photo: Cathay Pacific 

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) took action following consultations with regulators and investigators in Hong Kong, where Cathay is based, as well as Airbus and engine supplier Rolls-Royce.

“This action is a precautionary measure, based on the information received from the initial investigation of the recent Cathay Pacific serious incident and on the airline’s findings in its own subsequent inspections,” EASA Executive Director Florian Guillermet said in a statement.

EASA confirmed that a failed hose in the fuel system caused the fire, which was quickly extinguished by the crew.

The term “serious incident” in aviation refers to an event where there was a high likelihood of an accident.

“We will continue to follow closely all information that will be made available through the ongoing safety investigation,” Guillermet added.

The inspections affect the larger of two A350 models, the A350-1000, which accounts for 15% of the A350 fleet (86 jets). The smaller, widely used A350-900 is not impacted, Reuters also reported.