The Friedman Files

The NTSB says an engine used on some Boeing 777’s could ice-up at altitude, potentially leading to more incidents like the crash landing of a British Airways 777 in January.

An investigation by British authorities found both of the plane’s engines lost power because of, “an accumulation of ice within the engine fuel feed system”, according to the NTSB.  The agency says, ”The ice is likely to have formed from water – which naturally exists in the fuel.”  The British Airways plane made a sudden drop the ground as it approached the runway in the final minute of the flight.

American Airlines uses that same engine, the Rolls Royce Trent-800, on its 777’s, and a joint American-Rolls Royce repair facility in Ft. Worth is the major North American service center for that engine. 

Today American spokesman Tim Wagner told me, “As the lead U.S. airline for Boeing 777’s with Rolls Royce Trent engines, American Airlines is working with Boeing and Rolls Royce as they address this issue.”

There are reports tonight that the FAA and Boeing will take quick action to remedy the problem, even recommending that pilots change altitude more often to prevent icing in cold weather:  http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601102&sid=aJRdsqtHA6Kw&refer=uk

More details on the London crash landing:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/01/17/heathrow.incident/index.html