History of the Flight
On 19 August 2019, an IndiGo Airbus A320-271N, registration VT-IVO, was scheduled to operate flight 6E-291 from Guwahati to Kolkata. The aircraft was under the command of an ATPL holder (total experience 8983:42 hours, 1494:58 hours on type) and a co-pilot holding a CPL (total experience 1887:39 hours, 1482:50 hours on type). There were 170 passengers and 4 cabin crew on board.
The aircraft received take-off clearance from Air Traffic Control (ATC) Guwahati and began its take-off roll at 1321 UTC. When the crew stabilized the engines at 50% N1 and applied take-off power, they heard a loud bang from the left side. The aircraft began to vibrate heavily and veer to the left. The crew rejected the take-off at a ground speed of approximately 30 to 35 knots, bringing the aircraft to a stop on the runway. The Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitor (ECAM) displayed an Engine #1 STALL warning, followed by an indication of high vibration on engine 1. N1 vibration reached 10 units, N2 vibration 7.7 units, and exhaust gas temperature (EGT) rose above 800°C. The thrust lever for engine 1 was returned to idle.
After the aircraft stopped, the crew decided to return to the bay. They obtained clearance from ATC and taxied back safely at 1329 UTC. No emergency was declared. Upon engine shutdown, an ENG 1 OIL CHIP message appeared. Passengers disembarked normally; no injuries were reported.
Damage to Aircraft
A post-flight visual inspection of engine 1 revealed that the low-pressure turbine (LPT) 3rd stage stator vanes and blades were damaged. Subsequent borescope inspection of the high-pressure turbine (HPT) showed minor damage to the tip of one 1st stage blade. No other damage to the aircraft was reported.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was an Airbus A320-271N (New Engine Option), serial number 8310, manufactured in 2018. It was owned by Jackson Square Aviation Ireland Ltd and operated by Inter Globe Aviation Ltd (IndiGo). The aircraft was powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW1127G-JM turbofan engines.
Investigation
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India investigated the serious incident in accordance with Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation and Rule 11 of the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules 2017. The investigation did not assign blame or liability.