Serious Incident Overview
On 22 March 2023, an Africa World Airlines Embraer 145LR, registration 9G-AFR, experienced an engine failure event while in flight. The flight crew executed the single-engine procedures, shutting down the affected engine, and diverted to Kumasi Airport, Ghana. The aircraft landed without further incident.
Aircraft and Engine Information
The aircraft involved was an Embraer 145LR, powered by two Rolls-Royce AE3007 A1 engines. The incident involved the Number 2 engine. The aircraft's technical log and maintenance history were reviewed as part of the investigation.
Investigation Findings
The Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB Ghana) conducted a detailed investigation, including a borescope examination and subsequent engine teardown. The borescope inspection revealed significant damage to the high-pressure turbine (HPT) section, including HPT1 blades and vanes, the HPT1 vane support, the HPT ring seal, and the HPT1 wheel. The combustion liner also showed signs of distress. The low-pressure turbine and compressor sections were examined, and the oil system was checked.
The investigation determined that the engine failure was due to internal damage, but no specific probable cause was stated in the report. The analysis focused on the hardware examination, which identified the components that had failed.
Injuries and Damage
No injuries to persons were reported. The aircraft sustained damage to the Number 2 engine, but no other damage was noted. The operator conducted field maintenance at Kumasi to address the engine issue.
Operational Context
The flight crew had followed standard procedures for engine failure. The weather and navigation aids were not factors in the incident. The investigation did not identify any organizational or management issues with the operator.
Conclusion
The serious incident resulted from an engine failure that occurred during flight. The crew's actions were appropriate, and the aircraft landed safely. The AIB Ghana published the final report in February 2025, concluding the investigation.