An engine surge following a fan-blade separation ejected "low-energy debris" from the air intake of a Rolls-Royce Trent 892-powered Emirates Boeing 777-300 at Melbourne, Australia on 30 January, causing minor damage to the fuselage and wing fairings.
Contrary to a previous report (Flight International, 6-12 February) the broken fan-blade, and part of a second blade damaged by it, were completely contained, eventually being found in the bottom of the engine cowl, says R-R, which is now examining the engine at its Derby, UK plant.
The event occurred early in the take-off roll, which was immediately abandoned. R-R says that although some low-energy debris was ejected forward, engine certification requires that high-energy components (from the fan, compressors or turbines) must be contained within the engine casing and cowl, and they were.
R-R has, however, advised operators of Trent-powered 777-300s to inspect the fan every 100 cycles if the engine has more than500 cycles, and every 200 cycles in 777-200s.
Source: Flight International
