On September 22, 2016, an Airbus A320-232 (registration VH-VFY) operated by Jetstar Airways was involved in an aviation accident near 28 km north of Narrabri Airport, New South Wales. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the number 3 bearing in the right engine caused a total loss of power from that engine and resulted in smoke entering the aircraft cabin and flight deck. This summary draws on records from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A failure of the number 3 bearing in the right engine led to a loss of power and smoke entering the cabin and flight deck.
What happened
During the climb phase of the flight, cabin crewmembers first detected an unusual odour within the aircraft. This was accompanied by an ECAM message indicating an 'ENG 2 OIL FILTER CLOG'. Shortly thereafter, smoke began to enter both the flight deck and the passenger cabin.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical failure that triggered the smoke and the engine warning. It was determined that the initial odour and the oil filter clog message were early indicators of a developing issue with the engine's internal components. Specifically, the investigation identified that the number 3 bearing failed, which subsequently caused the right engine to suffer a complete loss of power.
Findings
The primary driver of the event was the failure of the number 3 bearing in the right engine.
The progression of the bearing failure led to the loss of engine power.
The mechanical failure was the direct cause of smoke entering the flight deck and the cabin.
Probable cause
The failure of the number 3 bearing in the right engine caused a total loss of power from that engine and resulted in smoke entering the aircraft cabin and flight deck.
