Mahan Air Boeing 747-300 Engine Failure Near Tehran (EP-MNE)

Incident Overview and Flight History On October 15, 2015, a Boeing 747-300 operated by Mahan Air, bearing the registration EP-MNE, was scheduled to fly from Tehran Mehrabad International Airport to Bandar Abbas. The aircraft, designated as flight 1095, departed at 03:46 UTC with 19 flight crew members and 422 passengers on board. Shortly after takeoff, while climbing to 4,900 feet, the aircraft experienced a failure in engine number 3. The investigation determined that the failure was an uncontained engine failure, resulting in the detachment of rear components from the engine. These detached parts struck engine number 4 and the aircraft's structure, causing significant damage. The impact also led to the failure of hydraulic systems 1, 3, and 4. Despite the severe damage and engine vibration, the flight crew managed to maintain control of the aircraft and executed an emergency landing at Tehran Mehrabad International Airport at 04:23 UTC. ## Damage and Casualties The aircraft sustained substantial damage that exceeded the limits of the Structural Repair Manual (SRM). The primary damage occurred to the rear, low-pressure turbine of engine number 3, which was completely detached. Fragments from engine number 3 struck the cowling of engine number 4, causing damage and leaving foreign object damage (FOD) signs on its fan blades. Additionally, detached parts hit the aircraft's fuselage, resulting in significant damage to the low right-hand wing surface, related fuel tanks, and hydraulic lines. Some landing gear doors were also damaged. The detached engine parts also damaged livestock in the southwest suburb of Tehran near Mehrabad International Airport. Fortunately, there were no fatalities or injuries among the 19 crew members or 422 passengers. ## Investigation Findings and Cause The investigation was conducted by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board of the Civil Aviation Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The final report, issued on October 10, 2016, identified the main cause of the accident as the lack of effective implementation of the engine manufacturer's procedure. The report detailed the technical and operational analysis of the incident, including the history of the flight, personnel information, and the condition of the aircraft. The flight crew consisted of four cockpit crew members, including the captain, first officer, and two flight engineers, along with 15 flight attendants. The captain, who was the pilot flying, had extensive experience with various aircraft types, including the Boeing 747-300. The first officer, who was the pilot not flying, also held an Air Transport Pilot License. The investigation highlighted the importance of adhering to manufacturer procedures to prevent such incidents in the future.