Passenger on Southwest Airline killed due to engine failure

[Vash01]

https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/a...mergency-landing-philadelphia-airport-n866686

This is really sad. Southwest airline has had a very good record where fatalities/injuries to passengers is concerned. After the engine failure the plane made an emergency landing in Philadelphia (it was going from NY LaGuardia to Dallas Love Field). NTSB is investigating the accident.

This seems like a strange accident. A fragment of the engine hit the window, killing a passenger. AFAIK, the only other fatality for SWA was during the Christmas season years ago, when their plane skidded on the ice at Chicago's Midway airport, hit a car, killing a child in it.

Another passenger was taken to a hospital, in critical condition.

I am wondering if the plane had become so old that the engine broke down in mid air, due to metal fatigue? Or did the maintenance people make a mistake? It will be interesting to see what the investigation yields.

Southwest is my favorite airline and I will continue to fly on it, but I am sure this event will tarnish their record, again, depending on what they find from the data recorder.

 

[Tinami Amori]

https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/a...mergency-landing-philadelphia-airport-n866686

This is really sad. Southwest airline has had a very good record where fatalities/injuries to passengers is concerned. After the engine failure the plane made an emergency landing in Philadelphia (it was going from NY LaGuardia to Dallas Love Field). NTSB is investigating the accident.

Kudos to the pilots and crews, for handling the emergency efficiently.

... the only other fatality for SWA was during the Christmas season years ago, when their plane skidded on the ice at Chicago's Midway airport, hit a car, killing a child in it.

SWA had a similar engine fail in 2016. The engine had 1 blade fail. The accident was less severe.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/trav...09/12/ntsb-southwest-engine-failure/90270290/
Unlike today's case (explosion of the fan), the 2016 case had 1 fan-blade separating (in full) from the fan-disk (a circle that holds all fan blades).

This seems like a strange accident. A fragment of the engine hit the window, killing a passenger.

Judging by the article and the fotos it is the "fan casing"/shrapnel is what hit the window and there was an explosion of the whole fan/motor of the fan (not just a single fan-blade damage).

This A/C is B737-700, with CFM-56-7b engines. Here is a foto: https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3021/3614751318_b169c7af73_z.jpg?zz=1
The engine structure (with the fan) is enclosed with this type of casing:
https://c8.alamy.com/comp/K3WD37/cl...-cfm56-7b-turbofan-jet-engine-on-a-K3WD37.jpg

If it was just one fan-blade that had a crack, there would not be such impact on the casing, breaking it into small parts which flew inside the cabin/through the window. Damage of even one blade can make the casing break into pieces and damage the body, but not with the same strength/impact.

Something caused the whole fan/fan motor to explode, for several reasons. A simple one - a piece of debris got inside the motor of the fan. Or, yes, a piece of fan-blade broke off and jammed the motor, but something had to cause the fan blade to break, because fan-blades grow through regular metal-structure tests and are replaced on schedule based on maintenance programme set a) by Boeing Corp. b) CFM Engine mfg.

Data recorders and physical examination will give exact causes in this particular case, given the A/C landed safety and intact.

I am wondering if the plane had become so old that the engine broke down in mid air, due to metal fatigue? Or did the maintenance people make a mistake? It will be interesting to see what the investigation yields.

It's not about the "plane's condition", but the "engine condition" and maintenance records. Engines are maintained on a schedule separate from the A/C. The maintenance routine is based on flight hours, and on special cases if there is a fail.

The Engine is sent to either OEM's repair shop, or to a certified by OEM repair shop, in the intervals specified by the OEM. At the shop each component goes through appropriate test and metal stress test with borescope and several other procedures. Since you're familiar with engineering aspects, you may be interested to take a look at non-destructive test manual for CFM-56.
https://www.slideshare.net/RicardoCcoyureTito1/cfm56-ndt-part-7-borescope-inspection

Checking engine condition and blades are also part of regular aircraft maintenance and checks by the airline, before flights, on special occasions, and during less rigorous A-checks for the A/C.

The passenger who was killed, died in the hospital. She was sitting next to the window that got shattered; she was being pulled out of the cabin by air-flow, another passenger held her back, but her injuries were too severe and she did not survive. The casing hit the window next to letter T on the body of a/c https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/180417155407-southwest-plane-engine-failure-exlarge-169.jpg

 

[ilovepaydays]

This is just too sad and tragic. We'll know significantly more once the NTSB's report comes out, but that won't be for months.

 

[Tinami Amori]

This is just too sad and tragic. We'll know significantly more once the NTSB's report comes out, but that won't be for months.

SWA's engine (same A/C same GE engine) got caught on fire just few months ago in Feb 2018.
SW needs to do some research. https://www.washingtonpost.com/vide...eecfa8741b6_video.html?utm_term=.f2142782f90a

 

[Tinami Amori]

We'll know significantly more once the NTSB's report comes out, but that won't be for months.

The NTSB and other specialists are doing a great job! they are making determinations already!

The engine cowling was discovered in an area near where the crew first observed issues with the aircraft, he said. Investigators performed a preliminary examination of the engine and found evidence of metal fatigue, where the blade separated from the engine, Sumwalt said.

https://dynaimage.cdn.cnn.com/cnn/livestory/w_900/a9bed02a-3c71-4487-ae3d-a4f22abc114a.png

 

[Vash01]

Kudos to the pilots and crews, for handling the emergency efficiently.


SWA had a similar engine fail in 2016. The engine had 1 blade fail. The accident was less severe.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/trav...09/12/ntsb-southwest-engine-failure/90270290/
Unlike today's case (explosion of the fan), the 2016 case had 1 fan-blade separating (in full) from the fan-disk (a circle that holds all fan blades).


Judging by the article and the fotos it is the "fan casing"/shrapnel is what hit the window and there was an explosion of the whole fan/motor of the fan (not just a single fan-blade damage).

This A/C is B737-700, with CFM-56-7b engines. Here is a foto: https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3021/3614751318_b169c7af73_z.jpg?zz=1
The engine structure (with the fan) is enclosed with this type of casing:
https://c8.alamy.com/comp/K3WD37/cl...-cfm56-7b-turbofan-jet-engine-on-a-K3WD37.jpg

If it was just one fan-blade that had a crack, there would not be such impact on the casing, breaking it into small parts which flew inside the cabin/through the window. Damage of even one blade can make the casing break into pieces and damage the body, but not with the same strength/impact.

Something caused the whole fan/fan motor to explode, for several reasons. A simple one - a piece of debris got inside the motor of the fan. Or, yes, a piece of fan-blade broke off and jammed the motor, but something had to cause the fan blade to break, because fan-blades grow through regular metal-structure tests and are replaced on schedule based on maintenance programme set a) by Boeing Corp. b) CFM Engine mfg.

Data recorders and physical examination will give exact causes in this particular case, given the A/C landed safety and intact.


It's not about the "plane's condition", but the "engine condition" and maintenance records. Engines are maintained on a schedule separate from the A/C. The maintenance routine is based on flight hours, and on special cases if there is a fail.

The Engine is sent to either OEM's repair shop, or to a certified by OEM repair shop, in the intervals specified by the OEM. At the shop each component goes through appropriate test and metal stress test with borescope and several other procedures. Since you're familiar with engineering aspects, you may be interested to take a look at non-destructive test manual for CFM-56.
https://www.slideshare.net/RicardoCcoyureTito1/cfm56-ndt-part-7-borescope-inspection

Checking engine condition and blades are also part of regular aircraft maintenance and checks by the airline, before flights, on special occasions, and during less rigorous A-checks for the A/C.

The passenger who was killed, died in the hospital. She was sitting next to the window that got shattered; she was being pulled out of the cabin by air-flow, another passenger held her back, but her injuries were too severe and she did not survive. The casing hit the window next to letter T on the body of a/c https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/180417155407-southwest-plane-engine-failure-exlarge-169.jpg

When I said the plane, I meant Any part of the plane (including the engine). Don't treat me like I am an idiot. I am an engineer (though not aeronautical) and understand technology very well. All i was doing was giving the first news about this accident. It did not have much detail.

 

[Tinami Amori]

When I said the plane, I meant Any part of the plane (including the engine). Don't treat me like I am an idiot. I am an engineer (though not aeronautical) and understand technology very well. All i was doing was giving the first news about this accident. It did not have much detail.

Plane and engine are separate mechanisms that work together. The plane has its own maintenance schedule. The engine has another schedule. My comments were not intended to treat you in any negative way... i said "as an engineer you may be interested in a maintenance document"......

 

[PRlady]

The pilot, Tammie Jo Shults, will be my hero forever. Listening to her talk to the air control tower I marvel at how calm she is: https://wsvn.com/news/us-world/southwest-airlines-plane-makes-emergency-landing-in-philly/

The next time some jerk tells me that women get hysterical in emergencies I will chain him to the chair to listen to the tape.

 

[IceAlisa]

The next time some jerk tells me that women get hysterical in emergencies I will chain him to the chair to listen to the tape.

Just tell them you live in a country where a woman can be an air force squadron commander.

 

[clairecloutier]

I agree it seems the pilot handled it extremely well.

But it sounds like this is the third engine problem with a Southwest plane in the last 2-3 years??

 

[MsZem]

The pilot, Tammie Jo Shults, will be my hero forever. Listening to her talk to the air control tower I marvel at how calm she is: https://wsvn.com/news/us-world/southwest-airlines-plane-makes-emergency-landing-in-philly/

She sounds calmer than the flight controller of course the pilots would have had a better idea of what exactly was going on.

I was reminded of the flight crew of BA 9, with the famous announcement to the passengers that "We have a small problem. All four engines have stopped. We are all doing our damnedest to get them going again. I trust you are not in too much distress." Some people are so much calmer under pressure than I could ever be!

 

[skatesindreams]

New details about the pilot, the passengers, and the tragedy:
https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/18/us/southwest-pilot-landing/index.html

 

[Veronika]

I agree that the pilot sounds like she's AWESOME. And it's sad that a passenger was killed, it's tragic.

It's worth pointing out that this is the first fatality on a US airline since 2009.

 

[MsZem]

New details about the pilot, the passengers, and the tragedy:
https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/18/us/southwest-pilot-landing/index.html

You wouldn't know it from most of the coverage, but there was more than one pilot on the flight (I'm guessing the guy in this pic was the first officer). This is typical; Sully didn't land the airplane on the Hudson on his own, either

It's certainly cool to have a woman get the credit! But I am sure the entire flight crew, both in the cockpit and the cabin, are happy that they were able to bring all of the other passengers to a safe landing.

 

[kittyjake5]

The Captain gives the orders for the crew to follow. Yes in a desperate situation like this it would have to be a joint effort but she was in control of the situation and her leadership and experience got that plane on the ground.

 

[MsZem]

The Captain gives the orders for the crew to follow. Yes in a desperate situation like this it would have to be a joint effort but she was in control of the situation and her leadership and experience got that plane on the ground.

Timani probably knows more about this than I do, but I believe that the captain and first officer share duties in an emergency just as they do in a routine flight, and there are procedures in place for who does what.

I absolutely agree that Captain Shults should be acknowledged for her leadership and professionalism. But coverage of airplane incidents always seems to refer to a single pilot, yet captains do not fly and land airplanes in an emergency on their own. If the roles were reversed, I would not want a male captain to get all the credit.

 

[skateboy]

What an awful tragedy. I am relieved that more people were not severely injured.

 

[Vash01]

I am very sad for the woman Jennifer Riordan and her family, who lost her life as a result of this horrific event. It is good that all others survived, but i am sure that is little consolation to her family. My condolences to them.

That said, I applaud the pilot for avoiding further tragedy. She deserves a medal.

 

[Tinami Amori]

I believe that the captain and first officer share duties in an emergency just as they do in a routine flight, and there are procedures in place for who does what.

Pilots go through "recurrent training" every 6 months, or as their airline's programme requires (if more than 2x per year). It includes "normals", "abnormals" and "emergency" conditions.
https://trainwithcae.com/uploads/documents/boeing_737_recurrent-1510337264346283.pdf
Captains and First Officers (co-pilots) go through "Emergency Training" in each such session. If Cpt. is in full capacity at the time of the accident/emergency, then he/she is in control of the operation. "Emergency" has 3 categories: handling of the aircraft under various conditions, emergency landing/variations/conditions, and Evacuation procedures (water or various terrain).

 

[skatfan]

One of my coworkers is a former Air Force airplane mechanic who told me not to get seats even with the engines and/or blades since you will be the first impacted. He also shared a gruesome story of an accident involving a blown window and death. Yay him?

 

[Vash01]

Just tell them you live in a country where a woman can be an air force squadron commander.

This is a ridiculous statement. The USA is not the only country where women get high positions. Many other countries have courageous women who have demonstrated amazing leadership abilities. Many other countries have women presidents, while we never had one. Should they show a condescending attitude toward us, the way you have shown toward women in other countries?

 

[Habs]

The USA is not the only country where women get high positions. Many other countries have courageous women.

No one said otherwise.

 

[vesperholly]

I listened to the air traffic control audio. The captain sounds so calm, she could narrate a children's book. The controller sounds more nervous!

 

[IceAlisa]

This is a ridiculous statement. The USA is not the only country where women get high positions. Many other countries have courageous women who have demonstrated amazing leadership abilities. Many other countries have women presidents, while we never had one. Should they show a condescending attitude toward us, the way you have shown toward women in other countries?

You don't know where PRLady lives, do you? Also wtf?

 

[Coco]

One of my coworkers is a former Air Force airplane mechanic who told me not to get seats even with the engines and/or blades since you will be the first impacted. He also shared a gruesome story of an accident involving a blown window and death. Yay him?

Wow...I always thought over the wings would be the safest place.

This story is horrifying to me, extra horrifying, because getting sucked out of an airplane mid-flight is one of my greatest fears. It happened back in the 80s or early 90s to a stewardess. The plane ended up landing in Hawaii, I believe. Made a huge impression on me as a child.

I was reading about the woman who died in this accident, and it sounds like she was one of those amazing, knows a million people, ties a community together kind of people. I'm so sorry for the loss her friends, family and co-workers are feeling right now.

 

[MsZem]

This story is horrifying to me, extra horrifying, because getting sucked out of an airplane mid-flight is one of my greatest fears. It happened back in the 80s or early 90s to a stewardess. The plane ended up landing in Hawaii, I believe. Made a huge impression on me as a child.

Aloha Airlines 243, they were flying in Hawaii to begin with. As with this Southwest flight one person was killed - flight attendant Clarabelle Lansing.

There was also a British Airways flight in which the captain got blown out of a cockpit windshield. The flight attendants were able to hold on to him and the first officer landed the plane safely. The captain survived and later resumed his flying career.

(I watched all the early seasons of Air Crash Investigation...)

 

[Tinami Amori]

This is a ridiculous statement. The USA is not the only country where women get high positions. Many other countries have courageous women who have demonstrated amazing leadership abilities. Many other countries have women presidents, while we never had one. Should they show a condescending attitude toward us, the way you have shown toward women in other countries?

PR and IA were talking about women pilots in Israel, not USA...

 

[clairecloutier]

Article about the engine defect that led to the accident.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-43818752

It sounds like they will be inspecting a number of Southwest planes that have this engine.

 

[Vash01]

Husband of Jennifer Riordan (casualty of the accident) speaks:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/h...o-this-without-her/ar-AAwivb3?ocid=spartandhp

So sad for that family!

 

[Tinami Amori]

More info on tech issues:
https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy...signed-to-prevent-engine-failures/?comments=1
(Airworthiness directive/AD issued by OEM to increase inspection frequency: http://cdn1.atp.com/ADs/pdf/100105.pdf )
(FAA AD acceptance https://www.federalregister.gov/doc...ectives-cfm-international-sa-turbofan-engines)

"The failure is similar to one that occurred on another Southwest flight in September 2016. The fan blade separated in two places," said NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt. "At the hub... there's a fatigue fracture where this #13 fan blade would come into that hub. It also fractured roughly halfway through it. But it appears the fatigue fracture was the initial event. We have the root part, but we don't have the outboard part. The crack was interior, so certainly not detectable from looking at it from the outside."

After that incident, the manufacturer of the engine—CFM International—issued a technical bulletin urging customers to conduct more frequent ultrasonic inspections of the fan in the type of turbofan engine used by Southwest's 737 Next Generation aircraft. In 2017, CFM even asked the FAA to enact a new rule requiring those checks. But Southwest Airlines opposed the proposed change to inspection frequency, stating in a comment to the FAA that it would take longer for the airline to comply because of the number of engines in its fleet:

reply: SWA does NOT support the CFM comment on reducing compliance time to 12 months. SWA estimates there are 732 engines in the SWA population. Compliance time of 18 months will be needed to schedule and complete the required ultrasonic inspections. CFM's risk assessment... did not take credit for the number of fan blades already inspected in the fleet and the findings rate. SWA requests this risk assessment be updated to make a more data-informed AD mandated compliance time.​

The FAA has not made a final determination on the rule; the comment period ended in October 2017. The European Aviation Safety Agency announced in March that it is considering a similar rule based on the report from the September 2016 Southwest flight incident.