History of the Flight
On 28 October 2022, an Airbus A320-232 (CEO) aircraft, registered VT-IFM and operated by InterGlobe Aviation Limited (IndiGo), was scheduled for flight 6E-2131 from Delhi to Bengaluru. The flight crew consisted of two ATPL holders, with the Pilot-in-Command serving as Pilot Flying and the Co-pilot as Pilot Monitoring. There were 178 passengers and six crew members on board. The aircraft had operated seven previous sectors that day without any reported technical issues.
Incident Sequence
After an uneventful pushback, engine start, and taxi, the aircraft lined up on runway 28 at Delhi Airport. Upon receiving takeoff clearance from ATC, the aircraft began its takeoff roll. At approximately 46 knots indicated airspeed, the flight crew heard a loud bang accompanied by a right yaw. They immediately rejected the takeoff and brought the aircraft to a stop on the runway. Simultaneously, an "ENG 2 FAIL" ECAM message was triggered. Several passengers and an aircraft on the taxiway confirmed fire emanating from engine No. 2.
Crew Actions and Emergency Response
The flight crew followed the FCOM procedures for engine failure and secured the No. 2 engine. They informed ATC Delhi about the engine failure and the rejected takeoff. ATC alerted emergency services, and fire tenders were dispatched to the aircraft. Subsequently, the aircraft taxied to its assigned bay under its own power, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally. No injuries were reported.
Damage and Investigation
Post-incident inspection at Delhi Airport revealed substantial damage to engine No. 2. The damaged engine was replaced with a serviceable unit. The Director General of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) ordered an investigation under Rule 11(1) of the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017. The occurrence was classified as a Serious Incident.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined that the probable cause of the serious incident was the failure of the No. 2 engine due to the fracture of the High Pressure Compressor (HPC) rear shaft, resulting in the collapse of the engine core.