Hainan Airlines Boeing 787 Returns to Airport After Catching Fire.
ROME, ITALY – A Hainan Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner experienced a dramatic engine fire shortly after takeoff from Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) on November 10, 2024. The flight, bound for Shenzhen, China, had to make an emergency landing back at FCO after the right engine caught fire. The incident, which involved 249 passengers and 16 crew members, was attributed to a bird strike.
The flight, HU438, departed from runway 16R at FCO airport at 10:02 local time and was headed to Shenzhen Baoan International Airport (SZX). Just a few minutes after takeoff, multiple witnesses reported hearing several explosions and seeing flames erupting from the right engine. The crew promptly followed emergency procedures, turning the aircraft around and dumping fuel over the Tyrrhenian Sea to reduce its weight before making a safe landing at 11:06 local time.
After 11 circular holding patterns and 50 minutes in the air, a 2018 built Hainan Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (B-1119) retuned back to Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) few hours ago owing to issues with the Right engine.
— FL360aero (@fl360aero) November 10, 2024
The event took place when the General… pic.twitter.com/XTjFQz72QL
Hainan Airlines Boeing 787 Returns to Airport After Catching Fire.
Airport officials and Hainan Airlines confirmed that all safety measures were properly followed, and no injuries were reported. The flight to Shenzhen was canceled, and the aircraft will undergo technical inspections to investigate and address the engine issue. The Italian Coast Guard and local media reported that the fire was likely caused by a bird strike, a common hazard in aviation.
Despite the scare, FCO airport operations were not significantly disrupted, and no delays to other flights were reported. The incident highlights the importance of quick thinking and adherence to safety protocols by the flight crew. Hainan Airlines and airport authorities have assured passengers and the public that they are committed to ensuring the highest safety standards.
The incident has drawn attention to the ongoing challenges faced by airlines in managing bird strikes and other unexpected hazards. Bird strikes are a well-known risk in aviation, and airports employ various measures to mitigate this threat, including habitat management and bird control programs. The quick response of the Hainan Airlines crew and the effective coordination with airport authorities underscore the importance of preparedness and training in ensuring passenger safety.
As investigations continue, Hainan Airlines and aviation safety experts will work to determine the exact cause of the engine fire and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and risks involved in air travel, and the continuous efforts required to maintain and improve aviation safety.
