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To: Central Scrutiniser
From the NTSB Safety Recommendation A00_121_124, dated December 12, 2000, dealing with an on-ground unconstrained engine failure of a GE CF6 (see http://www.ntsb.gov/recs/letters/2000/A00_121_124.pdf).

"This incident raises serious safety concerns because, if it had occurred during flight rather than on the ground during maintenance, the airplane might not have been able to maintain safe flight. Examination of the airplane revealed that a portion of the HPT stage 1 disk penetrated the left wing just inboard of the No. 1 engine pylon. Investigators determined that this portion of the disk, which is approximately 140 square inches and 45 pounds, penetrated a dry bay, made a 1-inch-wide vertical cut through the lower half of the forward wing spar, and penetrated a fuel tank before exiting through the top of the wing and passing over the fuselage. Examination of the engine revealed that the disk rupture split the engine in half, leaving the rear of the engine joined to the front only by the fan midshaft. The disk had separated from the shaft and was completely missing from the engine. Two pieces of the disk, which amounted to about two-thirds of it, and three blade slot posts were recovered. Although an extensive search was conducted, the remaining one-third of the ruptured disk (the piece that passed through the wing) was not recovered. Trajectory analysis performed by the Safety Board indicates that it may have landed in the Delaware River, which is adjacent to the airport."

But the breakup into multiple parts is still a bit troubling.

819 posted on 11/12/2001 10:05:10 AM PST by Lessismore
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To: Lessismore
But the breakup into multiple parts is still a bit troubling.

Carrying a lot of fuel, high g-loads while attempting recovery manuevers...lot of stress involved there, especially if he lost a wing spar as your incident aircraft did.

823 posted on 11/12/2001 10:08:34 AM PST by Tennessee_Bob
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