(RB211-524 Turbofan Engine)
Examination brief
During the landing at Johannesburg International Airport on 15
March 2003, the flight crew of the Boeing 747-400 aircraft,
registered VH-OJO, noted an "ENG 2 REVERSER" message displayed on
the engine indication and condition alerting system (EICAS) after
the application of reverse thrust. Airport personnel subsequently
found debris on the runway and taxiway used by the aircraft.
An engineering examination of the number-2 engine nacelle by the
operator's ground staff established that both panels from the
integrated nozzle assembly (INA) drive fairing had been lost, as
well as two thrust reverser blocker doors, with a third door
substantially damaged. The core assembly of the engine (an
RB211-524G/T model) was not damaged.
The operator reported the incident to the South African Civil
Aviation Authority, who took the liberated debris into their
possession for an engineering investigation of the failures. The
components were subsequently sent to the Australian Transport
Safety Bureau (ATSB) for further study and engineering analysis.
The ATSB commenced a technical analysis investigation into the
failure of the components on 1 July 2003. This report presents the
findings of the ATSB analysis and conclusions drawn as to the
mechanism of failure.