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Analysis of Quantas Flight 32 Emergency

Apr 22, 2025

Lecture Notes: Quantas Flight 32 Incident

Overview

  • Event: Incident involving the world's largest passenger aircraft, a Quantas Airbus A380, experiencing a dire emergency shortly after takeoff from Changi International Airport, Singapore.
  • Date: November 4, 2010
  • Flight Details:
    • Route: Singapore to Australia
    • Passengers: 440
    • Crew: 24 cabin crew, 5 pilots

Flight Crew

  • Captain: Richard Champion Diaspini, over 15,000 flight hours
  • First Officer: Matt Hicks, 11,000 hours
  • Second Officer: Mark Johnson, 8,000 hours
  • Check Captain: Harry Wubin, 20,000 hours
  • Supervising Check Captain: David Evans, 17,000 hours

Incident Timeline

  • Takeoff: 9:56 AM, from Changi's runway 20 center
  • Emergency Begins:
    • Climbing through 7,000 feet, two loud bangs heard
    • Engine number 2 failed with a turbine overheating and suspected fire
    • Aircraft starts to yawn left, suggesting engine failure
  • Flight Crew Response:
    • ECAM alerts indicate multiple system failures
    • Aircraft leveled at 7,400 feet to assess situation
    • Pan pan message issued (urgent situation but not a dire emergency)

Damage and Failures

  • Engine Failure: Engine number 2 turbine disc exploded due to oil leak caused by manufacturing defect
  • Wing Damage: Fragments punctured the wing and fuel tanks, causing a fuel leak
  • System Failures:
    • 21 out of 22 aircraft systems malfunctioning
    • Hydraulic, electrical, fuel, and flight control systems affected

Crew Challenges and Decisions

  • Decision Making:
    • Balance between landing immediately and troubleshooting failures
    • Holding pattern established east of Changi Airport
  • Internal Systems Check:
    • Confirmation of controllability and status using onboard monitors
    • Conducted control check inspired by military training
  • Landing Calculations:
    • Required almost entire runway length for safe landing
    • Aircraft configured for an abnormal landing

Landing

  • Approach:
    • Extended approach for more configuration time
    • Asymmetrical thrust and gravity-assisted landing gear deployment
  • Touchdown: 11:46 AM, successful landing with minimal runway to spare
  • Post-Landing Situation:
    • Concerns over overheated brakes and potential fuel explosion
    • Engine 1 continued running despite deactivation attempts
  • Resolution:
    • Aircraft successfully stopped, passengers evacuated
    • Engine 1 shutdown by spraying foam and water

Outcomes and Lessons

  • Response to Incident:
    • Quantas grounded A380 fleet for inspections
    • Rolls-Royce issued software updates for turbine safety
  • Lessons Learned:
    • Importance of continuous learning and preparedness in aviation
    • Significance of quick and informed decision-making under pressure

This summary encapsulates the key points from the lecture on Quantas Flight 32 and emphasizes the quick thinking and expertise of the flight crew, illustrating the importance of safety measures and preparedness in aviation.

Full transcript