What happened
On 24 June 2013, an Airbus A330-243, registration G-OMYT, experienced a failure of a high-pressure (HP) turbine blade while at Manchester Airport. The incident involved the engine's internal components and required a detailed forensic examination of the engine's remains to determine the origin of the damage.
The investigation
Investigators focused on the physical condition of the failed HP turbine blade. During the examination, researchers discovered unidentified deposits covering the surfaces of the blade. Because of the timing of the incident, investigators initially considered whether these deposits might have been volcanic in origin, specifically linked to the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland.
To address this, additional forensic analysis was conducted, which was finalized in August 2014. The laboratory work sought to identify any chemical compounds typically associated with volcanic activity. The results of this analysis showed no evidence of such volcanic compounds. Instead, the investigation determined that the deposits were likely an accumulation of atmospheric pollutants and dirt.
Findings
- The primary cause of the HP turbine blade failure was high cycle fatigue propagation.
- This fatigue was triggered by surface damage resulting from Type 2 Sulphidation corrosion.
- While the presence of gaseous sulphur from a volcanic source could not be entirely ruled out, the unidentified deposits on the blade were determined to be atmospheric dirt and pollutants rather than volcanic ash.