What happened
On June 9, 2025, at approximately 14:35 local time, an Airbus 320-232 was positioned at the threshold of runway 17L at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCEL) in Santiago, Chile. The aircraft, operated as a commercial passenger flight, was preparing for departure to Asunción, Paraguay, carrying 109 passengers and 9 crew members. During the pre-takeoff phase, the flight crew received a cockpit warning indicating a fire in the left engine. In response, the crew immediately executed engine fire extinguishing procedures by activating the onboard fire suppression systems.
Despite the crew's efforts to suppress the flame, the fire persisted, necessitating the intervention of the airport's Special Fire and Rescue Service (SSEI). The emergency responders successfully extinguished the fire. While there were no injuries among the 118 people on board, the aircraft sustained damage.
The investigation
DGAC Chile is currently conducting a preliminary investigation to determine the origin and cause of the engine fire. The investigation is in the data collection and analysis phase. The inquiry is examining the mechanical state of the aircraft and the sequence of events leading up to the cockpit warning. The investigation aims to identify the specific failure that triggered the fire and to develop necessary safety recommendations.
Findings
Initial assessments of the aircraft have identified specific damage resulting from the incident. The inspection of the left engine (Engine No. 1) revealed evidence of overheating in several sections. Furthermore, the fire caused burns and thermal damage to various structures adjacent to the engine compartment. The investigation has not yet established the primary cause of the thermal event.