The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued an emergency directive for urgent checks on A350-1000 fuel hoses. Airbus A350-1000 operators must inspect the fuel manifold hoses on Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines within three days. This action follows an in-flight engine fire incident on a Cathay Pacific A350, forcing a return to Hong Kong.
Furthermore, EASA’s directive mandates a one-time visual and dimensional inspection for engines with at least 18,500 flight hours or two or more shop visits. Those with less time and one shop visit must be checked within seven days. Other engines are to be inspected within 30 days.
Though the directive applies to European operators, global adoption is likely. The September 1 fire on Cathay flight CX383 highlights the urgency. Maintenance procedures might be linked to the issue, with the focus on engines having multiple shop visits. EASA however exempts 34 engines from the checks. It does not explain why.
Additionally, EASA’s action, based on a Rolls-Royce bulletin, aims to prevent future incidents. The urgent checks on A350-1000 fuel hoses continues to explore the cause of the event.
EASA said. “This decision is based on the preliminary information provided to EASA by the ongoing safety investigation led by AAIA (Air Accident Investigation Authority of Hong Kong), as well as from [CAD] Hong Kong, and from the aircraft and engine manufacturers.”
