What happened
On 30 December 2006, a Boeing 767 experienced an engine fire while taxiing away from the runway at Auckland International Airport. The fire originated within the left General Electric CF6-80C2 engine nacelle. While the fire was successfully extinguished, the incident caused a notable delay in emergency services reaching the aircraft. Although air traffic controllers offered to have the aeromdrome fire service inspect the engine before the plane proceeded to the terminal, a series of communication breakdowns and procedural uncertainties resulted in a 9-minute wait for the fire service to arrive at the aircraft's position.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical origin of the fire and the subsequent emergency response. Investigators identified a leak in the engine fuel manifold as the source of the fire. This leak was the result of chafing caused by a manifold loop clamp that lacked sufficient cushioning material. While this type of chafing was a recognized service issue previously addressed by a service bulletin, the investigation determined that the instructions provided in that bulletin were not effective at preventing the failure. Notably, the engine in question had undergone inspections 450 flight hours before the event, as well as two subsequent inspections within the required interval, yet no damage or chafing was detected during those checks.
Findings
- The primary cause of the fire was a fuel leak stemming from a chafed engine fuel manifold.
- The mechanical failure was driven by a manifold loop clamp that was missing necessary cushion material.
- Existing service bulletin instructions intended to mitigate this specific chafing issue were found to be ineffective.
- The emergency response was delayed by 9 minutes due to miscommunication, uncertainty regarding the fire's severity, and a lack of familiarity with the aerodrome's emergency plan.
Safety action
Following the incident, the engine manufacturer updated the service bulletin to mandate the replacement of all manifold loop clamps during every inspection. Additionally, the air traffic control provider and Auckland Airport updated their emergency instructions and refined procedures for responding to flight crew requests for fire assistance. The investigation also led to safety recommendations for the Director of Civil Aviation concerning the establishment of direct communication links between control towers and fire stations, alongside improved emergency communication training.