Incident Overview
On August 5, 2009, Vueling Airlines flight VY9127, an Airbus A320-211 with registration EC-ICQ, was preparing for departure from Paris Orly Airport (LFPO) to Alicante Airport (LEAL) in Spain. After pushback from the gate and engine start, a fire occurred in the undercowl area of the No. 2 engine, a CFM CFM56-5A turbofan.
Response and Evacuation
Ground crew personnel observed smoke and flames emanating from the No. 2 engine and promptly informed the flight crew. In response, the flight crew shut down the affected engine, and the fire ceased almost immediately. Following the incident, the flight crew initiated an emergency evacuation of the aircraft. According to reports, several minor injuries were sustained during the evacuation.
Aircraft and Flight Details
The aircraft, an Airbus A320-211 powered by CFM International CFM56-5A engines, was operating a scheduled passenger flight. The incident occurred after the aircraft had been pushed back from the gate and the engines were started. No other abnormalities were reported before the fire.
Investigation
The investigation into the incident falls under the jurisdiction of the French Bureau d'Enquêtes et d'Analyses pour la Sécurité de l'Aviation civile (BEA). Further information can be obtained from the BEA at their official address.