Updated with NTSB statement
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has removed an engine and the data recorders from a Spirit Airlines Airbus A319 involved in an engine failure on 15 October.
Initial inspections show that the engine failure was contained, says the NTSB today. Earlier media reports had said the engine failure was uncontained. NTSB employees returned to work today after the US Congress reached a deal to re-open the US government following a 16-day shutdown.
The International Aero Engines (IAE) V2500 engine involved in the incident was removed from the aircraft, says the agency. An NTSB investigator at Dallas/Fort Worth International airport is inspecting the powerplant.
"The engine will be shipped to a separate facility for a detailed examination and disassembly," adds the NTSB. The aircraft's flight data and cockpit voice recorders are in the process of being sent back to Washington DC for analysis, it says.
The A319 was operating from Dallas/Fort Worth to Atlanta when the flight crew received indication of a "possible mechanical issue", Spirit said yesterday. There was smoke in the cabin. Spirit said yesterday one engine was shut down as part of "normal procedure under these circumstances". The aircraft returned to Dallas/Fort Worth and landed safely. No one was injured in the incident.
A Spirit spokesperson says today that she could not comment further.
IAE says it is aware of the incident and is working with authorities and the airline to "assess the situation". It adds that it cannot comment on investigations.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
