Synopsis
On 8 September 2019, an Indigo Airbus A320-271 NEO, registration VT-IZC, operating scheduled flight 6E-6316 from Hyderabad to Gorakhpur, was involved in a serious incident. While cruising at 31,000 feet, the crew heard a loud bang, and the Engine 2 stall ECAM triggered and disappeared after 8 seconds. This was followed by an “ENG 2 HGH VIB” ECAM warning. The crew followed QRH/FCOM procedures. Engine parameters showed N1 and N2 vibrations at 10, and EGT increased past 900°C. The crew decided to divert to Varanasi, declared PAN PAN, and landed safely on Runway 09 at 0636 UTC. After landing, Engine 2 stall and fail ECAMs triggered, and the engine was shut down. Post-flight inspection revealed damage to Low Pressure Turbine 3rd stage blades.
Injuries to Persons
No injuries occurred to any occupant on board.
Damage to Aircraft
Post-flight borescope and tear-down examination of Engine 2 revealed:
- LPC stage 3 blades: 9 blades with curled tips, 2 blades with missing material.
- HPC stage 5 blade dented; HPC stage 6/7 Inner Air Swirler and HPC stage 7 Outer Air Swirler with heavy rub; HPC stage 8 Outer Air Swirler with heavy path cutting.
- Damage to HPC shaft.
- HPT Stage 1 aft wire seal protruding and damaged.
- LPT shaft and LPT stage 2 disk indicative of rotor rub/abnormal.
- LPT assembly: stator guide vanes and all rotor blades of LPT stage 3 damaged.
Personnel Information
The Pilot-in-Command held an ATPL, age 41, total experience 5487 hours, with 1263 hours on type. The Co-pilot also held an ATPL, age 37, total experience 2954 hours, with 2679 hours on type. Both were medically fit and had adequate rest before the flight.
Aircraft Information
The Airbus A320-271 NEO is a narrow-body aircraft powered by two PW1127G-JM turbofan engines. The aircraft had no reported abnormalities on previous flights that day.
Probable Cause
The investigation report did not state a specific probable cause within the provided text.