Incident
On 18 May 2024, Air India Express flight AIX 1132, an Airbus A320-216 (registration VT-ATF) operated by M/S Air India Express Limited, departed Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru at 1732 UTC for Cochin International Airport. The aircraft carried 185 persons on board, including 179 passengers (177 adults and 2 infants) and 6 crew members.
During initial climb, the flight crew heard a bang from the right side of the aircraft. They observed a momentary fluctuation in N1 RPM of the No.2 engine and a transient yellow hydraulic system fault. A momentary No.2 engine stall warning appeared and then ceased. The cabin crew at the R2 door reported a fire on the right side of the aircraft/engine via intercom, but no fire warning or indication appeared on the flight deck.
Response
The Pilot-in-Command (PIC) and Pilot Monitoring (PM) discussed the situation and decided to return to Bengaluru. The PIC declared MAY DAY and executed a safe landing at Bengaluru International Airport in coordination with air traffic services. After landing, the crew operated both fire extinguishers, but the fire persisted. Once the aircraft exited the runway and stopped at link 'H', Crash Fire Tenders (CFT) discharged foam into the engine and extinguished the fire.
The crew ordered an emergency evacuation. All four slides were deployed by the cabin crew, and all passengers and crew exited safely. Ten passengers sustained minor injuries while exiting via the slides and were treated at a local hospital, later declared fit to travel.
Damage and Post-Landing Findings
A visual examination revealed no evidence of damage to the aircraft or No.2 engine. However, a boroscopic examination of the No.2 engine found magnetic chips on the magnetic chip detector and metallic strands on the No.3 scavenge screen plug filter. The high-pressure turbine (HPT) aft blade strainer outer seal was dislodged from its position. Post-landing, engine oil quantity in the cockpit indicated 17.5 quarts on the No.1 engine and 7.5 quarts on the No.2 engine.
Investigation
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India is conducting the investigation. The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and digital flight data recorder (DFDR) were downloaded for analysis. Interviews with key witnesses, including the flight crew, cabin crew, and emergency response teams, were completed. Engine fuel and oil samples, along with maintenance records, were taken into custody. The Electronic Control Unit of the No.2 engine was dispatched to the original equipment manufacturer for data download and analysis. BEA (French safety bureau) has appointed an accredited representative to participate. The No.2 engine is scheduled for strip examination.