Synopsis
On 28 May 2015, an ATR72-212A aircraft, registered 9M-LMG and operated by Malindo Air as flight OD1165, departed Penang International Airport (PEN) en route to Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah International Airport, Subang (SZB). Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft experienced an in-flight external engine fire on the No. 01 engine. The flight crew performed the required procedures, discharged both fire extinguishers, and requested an air turn back to Penang. The aircraft landed safely, and upon landing, it was confirmed that the fire had been extinguished. No passengers were on board, and the four crew members disembarked with no injuries.
History of the Flight
At approximately 1317 hours local time, after flap retraction and climbing through about 800 feet, an engine fire warning illuminated on the Engine Warning Display (EWD). The flight crew carried out all necessary procedures, discharged both fire extinguishers, and requested a return to Penang. The aircraft landed safely at Penang International Airport. Post-landing inspection confirmed the fire was out.
Injuries to Persons
No injuries were reported among the four crew members. No passengers were on board.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft sustained minor damage to the engine as a result of the fire.
Personal Information
The captain, aged 28, held a valid CPL/ATPL license with an ATR72-600 rating and had 852:59 total flying hours, of which 4148:45 were on type. The first officer, aged 27, held a valid CPL with an ATR72-600 rating and had 457:53 total flying hours, of which 257:53 were on type. Both were Malaysian nationals and medically fit.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft, an ATR72-600 (serial number 1089), was manufactured in 2013 and operated by Malindo Air under Air Operator Certificate expiry 31 August 2015. It was equipped with two PW127M engines; the affected engine (serial number ED0673) had a total time of 4865 hours and 5569 cycles.
Meteorological Information
At 1300 hours local time, the wind was reported as 200/08 knots, weather was clear, and visibility was 7 km.
Flight Recorders
The aircraft was fitted with a Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), both L-3 COMM.
Fire
The aircraft experienced an in-flight external engine fire. Both fire extinguishers were discharged, and upon landing, the fire was confirmed extinguished.
Analysis
The flight from Subang to Penang earlier was normal. After landing at Penang, the captain reported a radio failure requiring the aircraft to be grounded while maintenance troubleshooted. No defect was found, and the aircraft was cleared for a repositioning flight back to Subang. Shortly after takeoff on that flight, the No. 01 engine fire warning activated. The crew performed procedures and returned to Penang. No injuries occurred.
Conclusions
Findings: The flight crew were properly licensed, medically fit, experienced, and adequately rested. The aircraft was airworthy with valid certificates. Several parts of the right-hand engine were damaged by the fire.
Probable Cause: The probable cause of the engine fire was a fuel leak from the No. 3 fuel nozzle manifold ‘B’ nut.
Safety Recommendations
The manufacturer was recommended to remind customers of the importance of using products specified in the Engine Maintenance Manual (EMM). It was recommended that restoration of fuel nozzles for both engines on an aircraft not be performed during the same maintenance visit. Engineers were advised to perform detailed inspection of manifold hoses B-nuts for early signs of corrosion. Manifolds with corrosion signs should be quarantined and reported to Quality Assurance. Licensed Engineers must ensure only approved solvents and materials from the Maintenance Manual are used.