Engine Fire on Cathay A350 Linked to Cleaning Issue, Says EU Regulator

In a critical update following an engine fire that forced a Cathay Pacific Airbus A350 to return to Hong Kong mid-flight, European regulators have highlighted a potentially flawed cleaning process during maintenance as a contributing factor.

On September 2, the Zurich-bound aircraft, carrying 348 passengers, experienced an engine failure attributed to a ruptured fuel hose, prompting inspections across the airline’s fleet.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has expanded its directive to inspect Rolls-Royce engines on more Airbus A350 jets, while easing pressure on the British engine-maker.

Initial findings from the Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) indicated that the defective fuel hose could have led to severe damage if not detected in time. Cathay Pacific temporarily grounded its fleet, replacing components on 15 of its 48 A350s after inspections revealed signs of similar wear.

Investigators believe that residual materials from a cleaning process during maintenance may have compromised the hose, leading to the rupture. In response, the AAIA has urged EASA to require Rolls-Royce to develop enhanced airworthiness protocols, including stricter inspection requirements for the fuel manifold hoses.