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Preliminary FAA Report Reveals “Softball-Sized Hole” Above Engine
Late Thursday night, Atlas Air Flight 95, en route from Miami to Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport in Puerto Rico, experienced a harrowing incident, forcing it to make an emergency landing at Miami International Airport (MIA). According to a preliminary report by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Boeing 747 encountered engine failure, prompting the crew to execute emergency procedures and safely return to MIA at approximately 10:30 p.m.
Engine Inspection Uncovers Damage
In the aftermath of the incident, a post-flight inspection unveiled a “softball-sized hole” above the second engine of the aircraft, situated on the left wing. This discovery was reported by the FAA, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into the cause of the damage. Video footage captured by a witness showcased flames emanating from one of the engines during the ordeal, adding a visual dimension to the severity of the situation.
Mayday Calls and Crew’s Adherence to Standard Procedures
Mayday calls to air traffic control were crucial in managing the emergency. The crew reported an engine fire about three minutes into the 14-minute flight, as recorded in audio posted on LiveATC.net. “Mayday, mayday, giant 095 heavy, engine fire. Request vectors back to the airport,” the crew urgently communicated. Despite the intensity of the situation, the crew adhered to all standard procedures, and the FAA emphasized that safety remained a top priority for Atlas Air.
Community Witnesses Nighttime Ordeal
Residents near the incident location, such as Melanie Adaros from Miami’s Kendall neighborhood, were startled by the visual spectacle in the sky. Adaros described the experience as “very frightening,” unsure if the plane was descending. The sight of fire and sparks emitted from the plane’s engine raised concerns about the safety of the emergency landing.
Ongoing Investigations by FAA and NTSB
In response to the incident, both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have initiated investigations. The NTSB is actively collecting information to assess the scope of the investigation. Boeing, the manufacturer of the aircraft, expressed its commitment to supporting the NTSB’s investigation into the incident involving the 2015-built Boeing 747-8.
Uncertainty Surrounds External Factors
While the cause of the engine failure is under investigation, the sparks observed during the incident raise questions about potential external factors contributing to the ordeal. Determining whether the sparks were solely a result of issues within the plane or influenced by external elements remains an open aspect of the ongoing investigation.
Summary
Atlas Air Flight 95’s emergency landing at Miami International Airport after an engine failure has prompted thorough investigations by the FAA and NTSB. The crew’s adherence to standard procedures ensured the safe return of the Boeing 747, but the discovery of a “softball-sized hole” above the damaged engine underscores the severity of the incident. As the aviation authorities delve into the specifics, uncertainties about external factors contributing to the sparks witnessed during the emergency add complexity to the ongoing investigation.
