Incident Summary
During the takeoff roll, a loud bang was heard and the takeoff was aborted. The tower advised the flight of extensive fire in the tail area. The pilot cleared the active runway and the aircraft was evacuated.
Injuries
Two passengers sustained injuries: one suffered a fractured ankle and another a sprained ankle.
Investigation Findings
An explosion had occurred in the #2 engine due to a failed front compressor front hub. The main fuel supply line to the #2 engine was severed, causing the fire. Metallurgical examination revealed that the hub fractured radially through the bore and rim in two locations, releasing two sections. Fatigue had originated at a nonconforming circumferential groove at the rear of one tie rod hole. The surface of the groove exhibited a very rough, smeared appearance and there were numerous axial cracks.