What happened
The pilot initiated a takeoff in a DC-10-30. Approximately five seconds after setting all three engines to 104% N1, the N1 on the number 2 engine dropped to 78%. This triggered the engine failure and master caution lights. In response, the crew rejected the takeoff and shut down the number 2 engine.
Following an examination by emergency personnel, all engines were shut down. The aircraft was towed to the gate, where passengers deplaned via the jetway.
The investigation
The investigation determined that all second-stage turbine nozzle locks had failed. These nozzles exited the engine through a hole in the engine case. This incident marked the second uncontained failure involving a CF6-50 engine.
Prior to this departure, the number 2 engine had undergone a zone inspection described as a general visual inspection. While no failed nozzle locks were reported during that process, the inspection did not specifically include an examination of the nozzle locks.