Incident · 2014-09-21
What the record says
- Event date
- 2014-09-21
- Event type
- Incident
- Highest injury level
- No injuries
- Aircraft
- BOEING 747 (N669US)
- Operating rule
- Part 121
- Operator
- DELTA AIR LINES, INC. Operator named in NTSB report
- Operated by (per NTSB report)
- Delta Air Lines
Probable cause
Turbine Overhaul Service's aggressive grit blasting and incomplete masking of the blade root neck that allowed the no grit blast area being exposed during the overhaul of the blade resulting in blasting media being embedded in the blade root from which a fatigue crack developed. The fatigue crack propagated until separation of the blade occurred that resulted in a complete loss of engine power. The fire was caused by the B-nut on the hydraulic line from the fuel pump and pulsation damper loosening from engine vibration after the compressor blade separated spraying high pressure fluid into the engine compartment that ignited on the hot engine cases.
Source: NTSB case ENG14IA027Flight crew
Certification and experience as recorded in the NTSB accident database for this event. The NTSB records these facts about the crew's flying history; GroundCheck shows them as filed, without names or identities.
| Role | Certificate | Instrument rating | Age | Medical | Flight hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot pilot flying | Airline transport pilot / Commercial | Airplane | 54 | Class 1 (2014-06-30) | 13,562 total · 4,176 in this make/model · 142 last 90 days |
| Co-pilot pilot flying | Airline transport pilot | Airplane | 55 | Class 1 (2014-04-03) | 12,998 total · 293 in this make/model · 170 last 90 days |
Facts as the NTSB records them — GroundCheck adds no judgement. Preliminary records may be revised as the investigation proceeds.