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Title: | Engine vibration on climb, Airbus A321-211, F-GTAF |
Micro summary: | While climbing, erratic engine vibration indications on this A321 prompt a return to base. |
Event Time: | 2002-04-21 at 0835 UTC |
File Name: | 2002-04-21-UK.pdf |
Publishing Agency: | Aircraft Accident Investigation Board (AAIB) |
Publishing Country: | United Kingdom |
Report number: | EW/G2002/04/11 |
Pages: | 3 |
Site of event: | Climb |
Departure: | London Heathrow Airport, London, England, United Kingdom |
Destination: | |
Airplane Type(s): | Airbus A321-211 |
Flight Phase: | Climb |
Registration(s): | F-GTAF |
Operator(s): | Air France |
Type of flight: | Revenue |
Occupants: | 169 |
Fatalities: | 0 |
Serious Injuries: | 0 |
Minor/Non-Injured: | 169 |
Other Injuries: | 0 |
Executive Summary: | Three to four minutes after takeoff from Heathrow, while climbing to 6,000 feet under radar control, the commander noticed a significant increase in N2 (high pressure spool) vibration indications for the right (No 2) engine. He mentioned this to the first officer, who was flying the aircraft manually. A few seconds later, passing 3,500 feet, the engine experienced a surge accompanied by a lot of noise and considerable airframe vibration. The commander actioned the 'Stall Reduction' (sic) procedure and retarded the No 2 engine to flight idle. Immediately the vibration and noise ceased and so, with the engine remaining at idle, he transmitted a distress message, requested radar vectors toward a landing back on Runway 27L at Heathrow, and for attendance by the Fire Service on landing. In his statement, the commander praised the assistance provided by the Air Traffic Controllers. With a total airborne time of 14 minutes, the aircraft made an uneventful landing on Runway 27L and, after an inspection by the Fire Service as the aircraft vacated the runway, it was taxied back to a parking stand, where the passengers were deplaned normally. |
Learning Keywords: | Systems - Engine - Compressor surge/stall |
Systems - Engine - Contained Engine Failure |
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