Incident Overview
On September 25, 2010, a Southern Air Transport Boeing 747-281F, registered N758SA, experienced an uncontained failure of the low-pressure turbine (LPT) in the No. 3 position General Electric CF6-50 engine during taxi for takeoff from Frankfurt International Airport in Frankfurt, Germany. The aircraft was preparing for departure when the incident occurred.
Engine and Control System Damage
Following the uncontained LPT failure, the No. 3 and No. 4 engines did not respond to thrust control input. A post-event inspection of the airplane revealed extensive damage to the No. 3 engine's low-pressure turbine. Additionally, impact damage was found on the aircraft, including separation of the control cables for the No. 3 and No. 4 engines. The exact nature and extent of the damage prompted a thorough investigation.
Injuries and Investigation
No injuries were reported as a result of this event. The accident investigation is being led by the Bundesstelle für Flugunfalluntersuchung (BFU) of Germany. The BFU has designated Mr. Thomas Karge as the Investigator In Charge. The BFU can be contacted at Hermann-Blenk-Str. 16, D-38108 Braunschweig, Germany, by phone at +49 531 3548-529, or by fax at +49 531 3548-246. Further information can also be found on the BFU website at www.bfu-web.de.
Summary
This report contains only information obtained or released by the BFU for informational purposes. The investigation into the uncontained engine failure and subsequent control cable damage continues under German authority.