Incident Details
On January 1, 2009, Vietnam Airlines flight VN224, a Boeing 777-200 registered as VN-A143, departed from Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City (SGN). As the aircraft climbed through 8,000 feet, the flight crew heard a loud metallic noise. This was followed by an L ENGINE FAIL EICAS message, airframe vibration, and an acidic burning smell. Shortly afterward, a FIRE ENGINE LEFT warning activated.
Emergency Response
The flight crew executed the engine fire checklist. After discharging the first fire bottle, the fire warning ceased. The crew declared an emergency and returned to Tan Son Nhat Airport, where they performed a successful single-engine landing. There were no reported injuries among the two flight crew members, twelve cabin crew members, or the 318 passengers on board.
Investigation
The incident is being investigated by the Vietnamese Civil Aviation Administration. Further information can be obtained from the Director General of the Civil Aviation Administration, Gia Lam Airport, Hanoi, Vietnam.