Incident Overview
On June 17, 2010, a British Airways Boeing 777, registration G-YMMP, diverted while en route from Singapore to London. The aircraft landed at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) at 0535 UTC.
Sequence of Events
Shortly after departure from Singapore, a vibration was reported. Approximately five hours into the flight, a thud was heard in the No. 2 (left-hand) engine. Following this, fuel flow rose significantly, resulting in insufficient fuel to reach the planned destination, London.
Damage Sustained
Upon landing at Amsterdam Schiphol, the aircraft suffered significant structural failure to the inner barrels of the No. 2 engine aft duct and thrust reverser. The rear end of the aircraft and the back of the flaps were also damaged. Initial inspection revealed that the No. 2 engine thrust reverser inner wall "D" Duct had liberated. Further damage was found to the inboard flap fairing, flaperon, engine pylon, and inboard flap. The damage was noted to be consistent with nine previous thrust reverser inner wall failures attributed to overheating.
Investigation
The incident was initially investigated by the Dutch Safety Board. On June 22, 2010, the investigation was delegated to the British Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB). Further information pertaining to this event may be obtained from the AAIB.