“It has been identified that the leakage of oil into the high pressure/intermediate pressure bearing structure buffer space was central to the engine failure,” according to the ATSB report.
“Further examination of the cracked area has identified the axial misalignment of an area of counter-boring within the inner diameter of the stub pipe,” it added.
“Misaligned stub pipe counter-boring is understood to be related to the manufacturing process,” the ATSB said.
ATSB chief commissioner, Martin Dolan stressed the preliminary nature of the report.
“It is intended to set out the sequence of events as we understand it so far and to highlight the safety issue we have identified. A comprehensive report will be completed within a year of the occurrence,” he said.
Qantas (AU:QAN 2.69, +0.05, +1.89%) (QUBSF 2.54, +0.01, +0.40%) said Friday that it has completed a detailed one-off inspection of the oil feed pipes of one of its Airbus A380 planes, as recommended Thursday by the ATSB.
“No issues as outlined by the ATSB were found, and the aircraft will operate to London via Singapore as scheduled this evening. Inspection of the second aircraft has commenced,” the airline said.
Qantas said that it continues to work closely with Rolls-Royce Group PLC (UK:RR. 626.50, +8.00, +1.29%) — the manufacturer of the Trent 900 engines used by the A380 planes — and Airbus, CASA and the ATSB on a comprehensive inspection program.
Airbus A380 Defect Found
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