Incident Overview
On 26 March 2014, an ATR72-600 aircraft with Malaysian registration 9M-LMH, operated by Malindo Airways, experienced a serious incident during a scheduled commercial flight from Subang Airport to Terengganu International Airport. The aircraft departed Subang at 0700 hours local time. While climbing through approximately 7,000 feet, the crew received a Master Warning indicating an engine fire on the number 1 (left) engine.
Flight History
The captain was pilot flying. Upon the fire warning, the captain initiated the appropriate checklist procedure, and the co-pilot transmitted a mayday call. The crew requested and received immediate clearance for an emergency landing at Subang Airport. Passengers were informed and instructed to remain seated. Both engine fire extinguisher agents were discharged, and after a few minutes, no visible fire persisted. The crew secured the affected engine and executed a single-engine landing. The aircraft landed safely with fire rescue services on standby. The aircraft was cleared to taxi to the bay, and no evacuation was required. All passengers and crew disembarked normally, with no injuries reported.
Damage and Fire
Post-landing inspection revealed severe fire damage to the left engine nacelle, primarily from the mid-section (engine turbine support case) aftward. Burn marks were observed on fuel nozzles, igniter plugs, fuel line connections, hoses, wire harness insulation, and the lower and side cowlings. The engine fire was attributed to a fuel leak.
Investigation Findings
Aircraft records showed the aircraft had undergone a 4A check and replacement of 14 fuel nozzles on the number 1 engine earlier that morning, in accordance with the maintenance schedule. The aircraft technical log and certificates were reviewed with no significant defects found. Weather conditions were good with no significant weather detected.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the engine fire was determined to be a fuel leakage from the No. 6 position fuel nozzle adapter secondary manifold fitting. The fitting was found torqued significantly below the specified value; at correct torque, no leakage was observed. The leakage of the flow divider valve was determined to be fire and heat damage resultant from the event. No other contributing conditions were found.