What happened
Following a routine flight from London-Heathrow Airport, the aircraft arrived at New Delhi-Indira Gandhi Airport. Upon completing the touchdown, the flight crew initiated standard braking protocols and engaged the thrust reversers. During this phase of the landing roll, the pylon supporting the number one engine suffered a structural failure. This mechanical failure caused the engine to partially separate from the wing, which subsequently led to the rupture of a fuel line. The escaping fuel ignited, creating a fire on the aircraft.
The aircraft continued to travel along the runway for approximately 3 km before coming to a complete stop. Despite the fire, the crew successfully managed the evacuation of all 215 occupants, and no injuries or fatalities were reported. While emergency services were able to extinguish the flames, the structural damage sustained by the aircraft was so severe that it was declared a total loss.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the failure of the number one engine pylon during the deployment of thrust reversers.
- The separation of the engine component resulted in a secondary rupture of a fuel line, leading to the subsequent fire.