AAIB investigation to Airbus A380-86, A6-EEC

Small fire on No 4 engine exhaust nozzle after parking, Manchester Airport, 24 December 2014.

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 9 July 2015

• Category: Commercial - fixed wing
• Report type: Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
• Date of occurrence: 24 December 2014
• Aircraft type: Airbus A380-86
• Location: Manchester Airport
• Registration: A6-EEC

Summary:

A small external fire was observed on the exhaust nozzle of the No 4 engine after shutdown; this was extinguished with a hand-held fire extinguisher. The passengers and crew disembarked normally.

Investigation by the operator found a fuel leak at the pylon Zone F fuel double-walled junction and the pipe intended to route any leaked fuel to an overboard drain was found blocked. As a result the leaked fuel, rather than being drained away, dripped from the pylon area onto the hot exhaust nozzle.

Based on information provided by the operator and the engine manufacturer, the aircraft manufacturer is in the process of issuing an Alert Operators Transmission to all A380 operators, requiring detailed inspections of the area to identify any anomalies.

Download report:

Airbus A380-861 A6-EEC 07-15

Download glossary of abbreviations:

Glossary of abbreviations

Published 9 July 2015