A Boeing aircraft operated by Garuda Indonesia was compelled to perform an emergency landing on May 15, 2024, following a fire in one of its engines that started shortly after the aircraft took off.
The issue occurred on flight GA-1105. The aircraft was carrying 468 passengers, many of whom were en route to Mecca for the Hajj pilgrimage, along with 18 crew members. The flight had taken off from Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Makassar, Indonesia, destined for Medina, Saudi Arabia.
Garuda Indonesia reported that fire was seen erupting from the aircraft’s fourth engine, positioned on the right wing’s outer side, as the plane started its ascent. Social media videos depicted orange flames emanating from the engine, leading to immediate worry among passengers and onlookers from the ground.
“The decision was made by the pilot in command immediately after takeoff, considering engine problems that required further examination after sparks of fire were observed in one of the engines,” said Irfan Setiaputra, president-director of Garuda Indonesia. The aircraft was safely flown back to Makassar, where all passengers and crew evacuated without any injuries.
The crew’s prompt and calm handling of the situation was a key factor in averting a potentially disastrous event. In alignment with their training and safety protocols, the pilots gained sufficient altitude before returning to Makassar, thereby ensuring a safe landing and reducing risk to the passengers.
Passengers were accommodated and later assigned to other flights to proceed with their journey to Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, the plane was kept grounded for an in-depth probe into the engine fire’s cause. The engine involved was identified as a Pratt & Whitney PW4056, a model that has faced recent scrutiny due to similar incidents.
This incident further contributes to the growing safety concerns related to Boeing. The company has experienced a series of mechanical failures and incidents across various aircraft models, leading to heightened scrutiny and investigations. Earlier this year, an Alaska Airlines flight experienced a door plug blowout at 16,000 feet, while a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8 veered off the runway in Houston due to a gear collapse.
These ongoing issues have not only raised safety concerns but have also resulted in a shortage of aircraft. This shortage could potentially disrupt travel plans for many, especially with the summer travel season on the horizon. “Airlines are desperate for aircraft because of the production problems but the well is dry,” said Gediminas Ziemelis, chairman of Avia Solutions, the world’s largest aircraft leasing company. He anticipates that many airlines will have to cancel routes and reduce their summer services due to the shortage.
Regulatory authorities and the aviation industry are steadfastly monitoring and investigating these incidents to ensure passenger safety and prevent future incidents. As the investigation into the Garuda Indonesia flight continues, both passengers and airlines are cautiously optimistic, hoping for quick and effective solutions to the continuous issues affecting Boeing aircraft.