A preliminary investigation into the power failure of a GE Aviation GEnx-2 engine on board a AirBridge Cargo Boeing 747-8 freighter during takeoff roll at Shanghai Pudong International Airport on September 11, has found no cracks in the engine similar to those found in July on an engine on a 787-8 aircraft after it lost thrust in the right engine during a low-speed taxi test at Charleston Airport.
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which is investigating the 787-8 incident, is cooperating with the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) that is leading the 747-8F investigation.
US FAA issued an airworthiness directive (AD) on all GEnx engines in light of the incidents. The AD requires initial and repetitive ultrasonic inspections of a particular part number FMS. “We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the FMS resulting in one or more engine failure(s) and possible loss of the airplane,” FAA said.
The AD requires the GEnx FMSs be re-inspected at intervals of not more than 90 days.
Faulty GEnx-2 preliminary investigation results inconclusive
