Aug
22
Cause of the China Airlines B737-800 Explosion
Filed Under News
Now the huge question into this disaster is what caused the engine of the Boeing 737 to explode on the ground? I have read a few stories as to what people have been speculating on what actually caused this to happen. The biggest issue I see is that these airplane engines just don’t explode. These engines are made to be extremely durable and go through rigorous tests before they are approved by the FAA.
A few sources I have read is that a damage pylon (connects the engine to the wing of the airplane) might have caused a fuel leak which led to the explosion of the engine. Investigators are looking into this fuel leak which engineers saw fuel leaking when the airplane pulled into the parking spot. The damaged pylon could have been design error, a maintenance problem, or an outside factor.
Some other Japanese experts say it could have been a disconnected fuel duct by the pylon caused the oil leak and triggered the explosion. This pipe could have not been connected for some unknown reason. China Airlines must investigate this issue and see if the pipe was connected during the jet’s last safety check on July 13.
I hope this answers a few questions as to what is being said about the cause of this explosion of the Boeing 737. Right now, it is just a couple of speculations investigators are sharing with the world, but until the full investigation is completed we won’t know the exact cause of this horrible accident.
How often they have to perform a full check on the airplanes? And what kind of checking they perform before each flight?
I’m not at all familiar with how these kinds of things are handled in the world outside of the US. Here of course we have the NTSB, and I assume Japan has something similar? It will be interesting to see what it was. I’m half expecting to hear that the President of China air is executed by the Chinese government.
The main thing I got out of this story is that EVERYONE got out safely. Shows that because of all of the regulations and required maintenance flying is a whole lot safer than driving.
Think about it…so few airplane accidents happen that when they do, it is all over the news. On the other hand, so many car accidents happen that they almost never make the news.
To me, it is a no brainer.
I imagine Israel that a full check on an aircraft only happens when its in maintanence - so your stuffed otherwise.
Im never going on a Chinese Aircraft - much like their products they suck!
While this was a tragedy, it could have been much worse. It should be interesting once they actually introduce their findings for the cause. Right now, its a lot of speculation.
“Im never going on a Chinese Aircraft - much like their products they suck!”
Check your facts before you make such ignorant statements. China Airlines, the airline with the plane that exploded, is a Taiwan-based flag carrier. It is not from Mainland China. In fact, China Airlines is not allowed to fly directly to Mainland China:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China_Airlines
Air China is the flag carrier of Mainland China, which actually has much safer record than China Airlines.
So please get your facts right before you make idiotic statements. Here’s a hint, try typing “China Airlines” in Google or yahoo first, it’s not that hard.
Okay Chachaboy…what point are you trying to make here? I am talking about China Airlines here…not Air China…two different airlines yes I know…but no way is Air China related to this post!
Well, from the previous posts, some people (not you pilotJohn) here don’t seem to know that China Airlines is from Taiwan. Investigation of the cause for this explosion is the responsiblity of the respective Taiwan and Japanese authorities, not Mainland China. It’s basic geography. They should know such simple fact before making crude & ill-informed remarks assigning blame to China, however unpleasant that country maybe.
Whatever caused it, it was downright scary to watch. Amazing that everyone got out.
The Aircraft in Question was built in the USA folks… it’s a Boeing 737-800 Series. These things happen Lets just be happy that everyone got out Safely.
Boeing has also issued a Service bulletin that is manditory to be carried out in the next 7 days on All 737 Next generation Aircraft.
One of the Slat Track Downstop assy has failed and puncture the fuel tank… so as part of a major airline we are all Doing a Worldwide inspection and upgrade to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
i wonder if this is something that could just as easily happen in the western 1st world?
It could happen to any of these aircraft. I work for a major airline in Canada and our Entire fleet is now subject to the Emergency Airworthiness direct that was issued by the FAA today. We have 30 Days to inspect all of our aircraft for the hardware that caused this problem. It is not just in third world countries, but it is very true that Most third world countries do not have the Strict Governing bodies that Canada, the USA and other indutrialized nations have. I know with the airline I work for our Aircraft are inspected Every evening with a Daily check, and after every landing by the pilot. We take care of these issues… but there are people that are not as careful and are out for that all mighty dollar.
My recommendation, fly with Carriers from Countries you trust. Boeing sets out a Maintenance Schedule for everything… but it is up to you whether you follow it, and if you don’t have Transport Canada or the FFA looking over your shoulder… like some small poor countries, who’s to say.
But yes, these things can happen anywhere, it’s human error… or Part Failure…
I wish their concerns were not only with the money they get but with the safety and good maintenance of the aircrafts too. We don’t live in a perfect world though…
Safe, Affordable air travel is what it should be about. No cutting corners. Safety #1, make it affordable… makes for success. As well as Stellar customer service.
Yes obviously it should be about the safety because without it nobody is going to fly on the planes - Rolls-Royce dont spend hours testing each engine for nothing.
I went to China a few years back, and I had my doubts about some of their flying practices… in order to land in one city, we had to fly carefully between two skyscrapers to reach the runway… it was like something out of Star Wars. I don’t think the Chinese regulate things nearly as tightly as some of the rest of the world does. This is still frightening, although it’s good that everyone made it out without a problem.
The FAA has re-released the Airworthiness Directive (AD) a “Must do within 10 days”.
Apparently there have been several Next Generation (NG) aircraft that are missing a washer in the leading edge devices. It may be that the aircraft which burnt out was missing that washer. The nut came loose from the bolt it was aiding, allowing the bolt to slip out. When the leading edge devices were retracted after landing, the bolt was pushed through the fuel tank allowing fuel to exit the freshly made, unauthorised hole. The fuel then ignited either on the hot brakes, or some part of the engine
yeah, it has been a horrible picture indeed… are there any recent news on this case yet?
Safety is the number one thing in air travel! That is what the companies need to strive towards!
Thank God everything got out safely. It’s sad when lives are taken away in plane crashes and other accidents. It’s like your excited for your departure, the next thing think you didn’t make it for arrival. Airline companies must double check their planes before setting them off for flights. This way, they can carry their passengers safely and deliver them to their destination soundly
Well they should double check everything before flight on. Its matter of hundreds life on board. I herd there few cases regarding to same accidents. Aren’t they get smart with accident they cause previously? They should reeducate again to maintain everything smoothly.
Williak…
I was thinking the same thing…