Deep seated oil fire confirmed as suspected cause of Qantas incident

The European Aviation Safety Agency has issued an emergency airworthiness directive for all Rolls-Royce Trent 900 series engines used on Airbus A380s saying a deep seated oil fire is the suspected cause of the engine disintegration that imperilled Qantas flight QF 32 on November 4.

EASA said “The requirements of this AD are considered as interim action. If, as a result of the on-going incident investigation, a terminating action is later identified, further mandatory actions might be considered.”

There are other as yet unresolved issues that have been raised concerning the damage the engine debris did to the giant jets hydraulic and engine control systems.