Engine Failure on Boeing 737-800 Due to Turbine Blade Rupture

Casualties unknown • Gdańsk (EPGD), PL

A Boeing 737-800 experienced an engine failure during climb following the rupture of a high-pressure turbine blade, leading to an emergency diversion to Warsaw.

What happened

On 15 August 2022, a Boeing B-7-37/800-83N, registration SP-ENU, operated by EnterAir, departed from Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport (EPGD) for a flight to Fuerteventura (GCFV). Shortly after takeoff, while climbing through approximately 11,000 feet, the flight crew noticed abnormal noises and unstable parameters originating from engine number two.

The crew immediately transitioned from a standard departure to a holding pattern to manage the technical fault. Due to deteriorating weather conditions and nearby thunderstorms, the crew initially declared a PAN-PAN. While the crew initially intended to land at EPGD after burning off fuel to reach an appropriate landing weight, a recommendation from the operator's operations department led the captain to divert to Warsaw Chopin Airport (EPWA). The crew declared a MAYDAY during the diversion. The aircraft landed safely at EPWA, where emergency services were present. There were no injuries to the passengers or crew.

The investigation

The PKBWL investigation focused on the mechanical failure of the engine and the maintenance history of the components. Investigators examined the aircraft's flight data recorders, borescope inspection (BSI) reports, and maintenance records from a repair facility in Singapore. The investigation analyzed the metallurgical properties of the failed high-pressure turbine (HPT) blade and reviewed the compliance of the operator with recent service bulletins and repair document requirements.

Probable cause

The primary cause of the engine failure and subsequent damage was the **rupture of a main high-pressure turbine blade** (SN BWHN9B01). Contributing factors included an inadequate borescope inspection angle during the previous inspection, which likely prevented the detection of cracks, and a failure to perform a specific recommended study (RD 150-151) during a prior repair process.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2022-08-15 BOEING, 737-83N accident near Gdańsk (EPGD), PL?

A Boeing 737-800 experienced an engine failure during climb following the rupture of a high-pressure turbine blade, leading to an emergency diversion to Warsaw.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2022-08-15 involved a BOEING, 737-83N, registration SP-ENU, operated by Enter Air, at Gdańsk (EPGD), PL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause of the engine failure and subsequent damage was the **rupture of a main high-pressure turbine blade** (SN BWHN9B01). Contributing factors included an inadequate borescope inspection angle during the previous inspection, which likely prevented the detection of cracks, and a failure to perform a…

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2022-4594/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.

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