On May 15, 2024, a Boeing aircraft operated by Garuda Indonesia was compelled to conduct an emergency landing due to one of its engines igniting shortly after takeoff.
Flight GA-1105 was involved in the incident, with 468 passengers and 18 crew members on board. Many passengers were en route to Mecca for the Hajj pilgrimage. The flight began its course from Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Makassar, Indonesia, with Medina, Saudi Arabia as its destination.
Garuda Indonesia reports that the plane’s number four engine, situated on the outboard right wing, began to emit flames as the aircraft started its climb. The sight of orange flames being ejected from the engine was captured in videos shared on social media, sparking immediate apprehension among passengers and observers on 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,” Irfan Setiaputra, president-director of Garuda Indonesia, declared. The plane made a safe return to Makassar, where all passengers and crew members were evacuated without harm.
The crew’s swift and calm reaction was instrumental in averting a potential disaster. The pilots, adhering to their training and safety procedures, ascended to a secure altitude before turning back to Makassar. This action ensured the safe landing of the aircraft, thereby reducing the risk to those aboard.
Passengers were given lodging and later placed on replacement flights to continue their journey to Saudi Arabia. The aircraft was grounded for a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the engine fire. The engine implicated was a Pratt & Whitney PW4056, which has faced recent scrutiny due to several analogous incidents.
This episode contributes to a mounting list of safety issues for Boeing. The company has experienced a succession of mechanical breakdowns and incidents involving various aircraft models, leading to heightened attention and inquiries. Earlier this year, an Alaska Airlines flight encountered a door plug release at an altitude of 16,000 feet, and a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8 deviated off the runway in Houston due to a gear collapse.
The continuing problems have not only increased safety worries but have also led to a shortage of aircraft. This shortage could interfere with many travel plans, especially with the upcoming summer travel season. Gediminas Ziemelis, chairman of Avia Solutions, the world’s largest aircraft leasing company, stated, “Airlines are desperate for aircraft because of the production problems but the well is dry.” He anticipates that many airlines will have to cancel routes and downscale their summer services due to the shortfall.
Regulatory authorities and the aviation industry continue to keep a close watch on these incidents and conduct investigations to assure passenger safety and prevent future incidents. As the probe into the Garuda Indonesia flight continues, both passengers and airlines remain wary, hoping for prompt and successful solutions to the ongoing issues with Boeing aircraft.
