What happened
On July 16, 2004, a B767-300ER, registration EI-CXO, operated by Blue Panorama Airlines, was performing a scheduled flight from Milan Malpensa to Havana, Cuba, via Rome Fiumicino. The aircraft was carrying 273 passengers and 10 crew members.
During the takeoff roll on runway 16R, approximately nine knots before reaching the decision speed (V1), the flight crew received multiple engine fire warnings for the number 2 (right) engine, including the Master Warning and engine fire lights. The commander elected to continue the takeoff. After reaching a safe altitude, the crew executed emergency procedures. The aircraft subsequently returned to Fiumicino and landed safely, after which an emergency evacuation of all passengers was conducted.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation focused on determining the cause of the fire and the failure of the engine component. Investigators performed functional tests on the aircraft and the engine, which revealed that fuel had escaped the engine system. Laboratory analysis was conducted on a specific flexible hose (P/N 51T075) removed from the right engine. The investigation also included an examination of maintenance records and a review of the passenger evacuation phase, noting that the slide-raft for door 2R experienced difficulties during deployment.
Findings
- The fire was caused by the rupture of a flexible fuel hose (P/N 51T075) in the right engine.
- The rupture allowed fuel to escape and come into contact with hot engine components, igniting the fire.
- Laboratory testing confirmed that the failure was due to a fatigue process in the metallic mesh wires of the hose.
- This fatigue was accelerated by a kink (deformation) in the hose.
- During the evacuation, the 2R slide-raft malfunctioned, and subsequent handling of the equipment led to some damage to the unit's restraint pins.