The final inquiry report for an incident where
smoke was observed in the passenger cabin of a flight in India has pinpointed
lapses by the airliner in carrying out inspection on power turbine blades, as
the probable reason behind the incident. The report mentions the following:
“Immediately
after takeoff, at an altitude of about 4,500 feet, a master caution warning was
triggered. The crew looked up the readings on the panels, checked all operating
parameters and since everything looked normal, they continued with the ascent.
However, after reaching a height of around 6,000 feet, the crew got a call from
the cabin crew in-charge about smoke inside the passenger cabin. Passengers
were immediately given wet tissues and asked to go in for protective breathing
system over the Public Address System.
The
aircraft had a valid certificate of airworthiness and the maintenance schedule
was adhered to. However, the Eddy Current Testing (inspection of thin metal for
potential safety issues) later incorporated into the Engine Maintenance Manual
was not carried out, the report pointed out.
The probable cause of the smoke in cabin was contamination of bleed air by
engine oil due to failure of the air/oil seals of turbine shaft bearings and
impeller bearings.”
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/maharashtra-chemical-factory-fire-tarapur-midc-blast-palghar-5093675/
