On Sunday, November 10, 2024, Hainan Airlines flight HU438, a Boeing 787-9
Dreamliner registered as B-1119, encountered an Incident shortly after
taking off from Roma-Fiumicino Airport (FCO/LIRF).
The aircraft, manufactured in 2018, was on a scheduled passenger
flight to Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX/ZGSZ) when it suffered a
bird strike during the initial climb phase.
Briefing
- Date: Sunday, 10 November 2024
- Time: 09:12 UTC
- Aircraft Type: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
- Operator: Hainan Airlines
- Aircraft Registration: B-1119
- MSN (Manufacturer Serial Number): 64968/747
- Year of Manufacture: 2018
- Location: Roma-Fiumicino Airport (FCO/LIRF), Italy
- Phase of Flight: Initial climb
- Nature of Flight: Passenger - Scheduled
- Departure Airport: Roma-Fiumicino Airport (FCO/LIRF)
- Destination Airport: Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX/ZGSZ)
- Fatalities: 0
- Other Fatalities: 0
- Aircraft Damage: Unknown
Incident Details
The incident began at approximately 09:12 UTC when the aircraft, operating
from runway 16R, experienced a bird strike that led to surges in the no.2
engine. The flight crew, adhering to safety protocols, promptly assessed the
situation and decided to enter a holding pattern over a nearby body of water
to ensure stability and conduct further evaluations. After holding for
approximately 54 minutes, the crew successfully returned the aircraft to
Roma-Fiumicino Airport for a safe landing.
The flight crew's prompt response to the engine surges and the decision to
enter a holding pattern were critical in ensuring the safety of all passengers
and crew on board. No injuries were reported among the occupants or to
individuals on the ground. The number of passengers on the flight has not been
disclosed at this time, and the extent of damage to the aircraft remains
unknown.
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, a wide-body jet known for its efficiency and
advanced technology, is a highly reliable model in commercial aviation. Hainan
Airlines has been operating this specific aircraft, with MSN 64968/747, since
its manufacture in 2018. The B-1119 aircraft has been part of the airline's
long-haul fleet, serving international routes with an emphasis on connectivity
between Asia and Europe.
Hainan Airlines and aviation authorities are expected to conduct a detailed
investigation to assess the full impact of the bird strike and evaluate the
condition of the no.2 engine and other related systems. As of now, the
incident is categorized as an "Incident" due to the absence of injuries or
significant external damage reports.
Passengers on board HU438 were reportedly accommodated following the incident,
and alternate travel arrangements were provided where necessary. The aviation
community and regulatory bodies continue to highlight the importance of robust
bird strike management systems at and around airports to prevent similar
occurrences.
Why Choosing to enter a holding pattern instead of landing immediately
Is a critical decision made by pilots for safety and operational reasons. Here
are the primary considerations behind this choice:
1. Assessment of Engine Condition
After experiencing the bird strike and subsequent engine surge, the flight
crew likely needed time to thoroughly assess the extent of the damage and
performance of the affected no.2 engine. Entering a holding pattern allows
pilots to:
- Analyze engine readings and performance.
- Communicate with maintenance teams and air traffic control.
-
Determine if the engine is stable enough for a safe approach and landing.
2. Fuel Management
Holding over a safe area, especially over water or open space, ensures that
the aircraft is in a controlled environment to burn excess fuel if needed.
This is crucial for two reasons:
-
Weight considerations: Aircraft often take off with more fuel than is
ideal for immediate landing. Burning off fuel reduces landing weight to be
within safe operational limits.
-
Stability: The aircraft needs to be light enough to minimize stress
on the landing gear and airframe during touchdown.
3. Time to Prepare for Landing
- Entering a holding pattern gives the crew more time to:
-
Configure the aircraft for landing under non-standard conditions (e.g., one
engine potentially inoperative).
- Coordinate with emergency response teams on the ground.
-
Inform passengers and cabin crew, ensuring safety protocols are in place and
everyone on board is prepared for a potentially abnormal landing.
4. Ensuring Safe Runway Availability
The decision to delay the landing might also be influenced by airport
operations. The flight crew and air traffic control may need to coordinate to
ensure the most suitable runway is available for a safe landing. This could
involve clearing the runway of other traffic and ensuring emergency services
are ready.
5. Mitigating Further Risk
Circling in a holding pattern over water or an open area minimizes potential
risks if the situation deteriorates. If an engine failure were to become
severe or result in a fire, being over open space provides more safe options
for managing an emergency descent or approach.
Conclusion
The choice to enter a holding pattern rather than landing immediately is a
precautionary and strategic measure. It allows the crew to ensure the
situation is under control, maintain safety margins, and manage the aircraft’s
weight and systems for an optimal and safe landing.
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Confidence Rating
The information provided is based on news reports and social media sources,
which may not always be fully verified. This analysis is a self-effort and
does not reflect official statements or conclusions. As such, the confidence
rating for this data is considered unofficial and subject to further
investigation.
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