Summary
As the aircraft was levelling at FL390 the left engine appeared to suffer a compressor stall. The crew reduced engine power to idle as a precaution. The engine was running normally at idle therefore a descent clearance was requested and the aircraft continued at a lower altitude to Melbourne for an uneventful landing.
The engine was removed after a borescope inspection revealed damage to the compressor. The engine was disassembled. The damage was found to have caused by the liberation of the inner shroud from one 8th stage compressor stator vane segment. Secondary damage had occurred to both the 7th and 8th stages of the compressor.
The liberation of compressor stator inner shrouds has previously been recorded by overseas operators and is under active investigation by the manufacturer.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 199501212 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 21/04/1995 |
| Location | 370 km north-east of Melbourne |
| State | New South Wales |
| Report release date | 19/05/1995 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Occurrence class | Incident |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Airbus |
|---|---|
| Model | A320-211 |
| Registration | VH-HYE |
| Sector | Jet |
| Operation type | Air Transport High Capacity |
| Departure point | Sydney NSW |
| Destination | Melbourne VIC |
| Damage | Nil |