Qantas A380 - Prime Suspect Identified

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has revealed the first clues as to what may have caused the catastrophic failure of the Trent 900 engine powering a Qantas A380 on Nov 4. In an airworthiness directive (AD) issued today, the agency points to an oil fire in the high pressure/intermediate pressure (HP/IP) structure cavity as the suspected cause of an IP turbine disc failure.

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EASA Airworthines Directive Download:
2010-0236-E : Engine – High Pressure / Intermediate Pressure (HP/IP) Structure – Inspections

Number	2010-0236-E
Issued by	Europe
Issue date	2010-11-10
Effective date	2010-11-10
EASA approval number
Contributor	EASA Propulsion Section
ATA Chapter	72
Approval Holder / Type Designation	ROLLS-ROYCE PLC RB211 TRENT 900
Revision	Not applicable
Correction	Not applicable
Supersedure	None
Related information	Rolls-Royce RB211-Trent 900 Alert Non Modification Service Bulletin 72-AG590 dated 10 November 2010. The use of later approved updates of this document is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this AD.
Remarks	1. If requested and appropriately substantiated, EASA can approve Alternative Methods of Compliance for this AD. 2. The safety assessment has requested not to implement the full consultation process and an immediate publication and notification. 3. Enquiries regarding this AD should be referred to the Airworthiness Directives, Safety Management & Research Section, Certification Directorate, EASA. E-mail ADs[at]easa.europa.eu. EASA Airworthines Directive Download: