Synopsis
On 27 November 2024, an Airbus A320-214, registration HK5407, operating as flight AV9418, was preparing to depart from Matecaña International Airport (SKPE) in Pereira, Colombia, to El Dorado International Airport (SKBO) in Bogotá. The aircraft carried 164 passengers and 6 crew members (one pilot, one co-pilot, and four cabin crew).
Flight Sequence
The scheduled departure time was 18:16 local time (HL). At 18:31 HL, the aircraft began taxiing via taxiway Bravo to runway 26. At 18:35 HL, the takeoff roll commenced. After 24 seconds, at approximately 100 knots, an explosion occurred in the left engine. The crew immediately performed a rejected takeoff and notified air traffic control at about 18:37 HL.
The ECAM (Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitor) displayed the alert "ENG 1 REVERSE UNLOCKED." After receiving assistance offers from the tower, the crew requested a fire service inspection due to the left engine failure. At 18:38 HL, two fire vehicles arrived and reported no visible fire but noted a possible anomaly on the left main landing gear. The movement supervisor reported non-significant smoke on the left side of the aircraft.
At 18:44 HL, the fire brigade requested the crew to initiate evacuation, which began at 18:45:36 HL. The evacuation was conducted using all six slides. Some passengers attempted to carry hand baggage but were directed to leave it onboard. The crew completed a full disembarkation check by 18:47:54 HL.
Passengers and crew were taken to the north section of the passenger terminal for medical evaluation. Nineteen individuals were treated for post-traumatic stress and minor injuries resulting from the evacuation and were referred to the airline's contracted health provider.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was an Airbus A320-214. According to the maintenance post-flight report from a previous flight (SKBO–SKCL, flight AVA9694), there were four deferred maintenance items:
- ATA 21-43: COND FWD CRG ISOL VALVE
- ATA 77-00: ENG 2 IGN B FAULT (two entries)
- ATA 77-00: ENG 2 START FAULT
Additionally, a fault message related to ATA 74-00-00 IGN 2, ECU was recorded.
Investigation
The Dirección Técnica de Investigación de Accidentes (DIACC) of Colombia initiated an investigation, classifying the event preliminarily as a serious incident. In accordance with ICAO Annex 13 and Colombian regulations, notifications were sent to ICAO, the BEA of France (as state of design and manufacture of the aircraft), and the NTSB of the United States (as state of design and manufacture of the engines). No accredited representatives were assigned, but technical advisors from General Electric and Safran were engaged to support the investigation.
The engine is being examined. The airport runway was closed and later reopened after inspection and cleaning. Debris consisting of rubber fragments and cables, possibly from the aircraft, was found on the runway.