Incident Overview
On June 15, 2010, an Alitalia Airbus A330-202, registration number EI-DIP, operating as flight AZ615, experienced a reported No. 1 engine fire during takeoff from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). The flight, a regularly scheduled 14 CFR Part 129 service, was destined for Rome's Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO). Following the event, the crew reduced the No. 1 engine power setting to idle and executed an air turn back to BOS, where an uneventful landing was completed. The No. 1 engine, a General Electric CF6-80E1A4 turbofan, was shut down during the landing roll. No reported injuries occurred among passengers or crew.
Witness and Pilot Reports
Witnesses observed fire and smoke emanating from the No. 1 engine tailpipe during the takeoff roll. The pilot reported that an Engine Condition and Monitoring (ECAM) exhaust gas temperature (EGT) increase message was displayed, along with an N1 (fan and low pressure rotor speed) overspeed indication.
Examination Findings
Examination of the No. 1 engine revealed no under cowl fire damage. However, oil and metal particles were found in the engine's tailpipe. The oil magnetic chip collector was removed and found to be covered with metal shavings. The flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) were requested to be sent to the NTSB Headquarters for download and readout. Further analysis of data from the FDR and the airplane's quick access recorder (QAR) showed no indications of an No. 1 engine overspeed or over temperature event.
Investigation Details
The investigation has been delegated to the Italian authorities (Agenzia nazionale per la sicurezza del volo). Further information may be obtained from the agency in Rome, Italy.