Synopsis
On October 31, 2021, at 19:08 UTC, a Boeing 787-9 aircraft, registration 4X-EDA, departed from Bangkok Airport (BKK) to Tel Aviv (TLV). The aircraft was operated by El Al as scheduled flight LY082. Shortly after takeoff, a "Fuel Imbalance" message illuminated on the EICAS. After approximately 2.5 hours of flight, a "Fuel Disagree" message appeared. The crew executed the "Fuel Leak" checklist, which resulted in the shutdown of the left-hand (LH) engine. The crew declared an emergency, called "MAYDAY", and diverted to India's Goa Airport (GOI). The landing was completed with no further unusual events.
Flight History
The incident flight was the fourth leg of a series: Tel Aviv – Phnom Penh – Phuket – Bangkok – Tel Aviv. The aircraft had departed Israel earlier for flights to Far East destinations. The first leg (LY081) departed Tel Aviv on October 31, 2021 at 21:37 UTC and landed in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. After about two hours on the ground, the second leg departed Phnom Penh at 09:38 UTC and landed in Phuket, Thailand. The third leg departed Phuket at 15:45 UTC and landed in Bangkok at 17:45 UTC. After about two hours on the ground in Bangkok, the aircraft was refueled and passengers boarded. The incident flight departed Bangkok at 19:08 UTC with 257 passengers and 19 crew members, including 4 pilots.
According to the Load Sheet, the aircraft was loaded with cargo approximately 2.1 tons heavier than planned. The crew were aware of the additional weight and determined that the extra 1.5 tons of fuel, originally allocated for diversions due to stormy weather, would be sufficient.
Fuel System Issues
During initial climb after takeoff, while passing 9,200 feet, an EICAS "Fuel Imbalance" message appeared, indicating an imbalance between the main fuel tanks. After crossing 10,000 feet, the crew began addressing the discrepancy. They observed that the left main tank quantity was approximately 500 kg lower than the right main tank. The crew initiated the "Fuel Imbalance" checklist and noticed a 100 kg difference between the calculated total fuel quantity (from the FMC Progress page 2) and the actual measured quantity (Totalizer). They checked engine fuel consumption and planned fuel for the next waypoint, finding it consistent with the flight plan. No fuel leak was observed at that time.
The checklist directed balancing between the main tanks, but this was not possible while the center tank override/jettison pumps were operating. After approximately 15 minutes, the crew attempted the checklist again but did not confirm successful balancing. Later, a "Fuel Disagree" message appeared, leading the crew to perform the "Fuel Leak" checklist, which resulted in the shutdown of the left engine.
Diversion
Following the engine shutdown, the crew declared an emergency and diverted to Goa Airport (GOI). The landing was completed without further unusual events. The company informed the Chief Investigator of Israel, who opened an investigation after the Indian Investigation Authority decided not to investigate.