posted on Jan, 21 2021 @ 05:14 PM
A fan blade separated from the left engine N1 first stage turbofan after the crew increased power to climb to a higher altitude. The CVR stopped
recording afterwards, and the DFDR data was limited, but a similar event in another Global Express resulted in vibrations so bad that stemware in the
galley broke. The vibration on this aircraft were 25% stronger. The throttles were moved in a manner consistent with attempting to determine which
engine failed, and the right engine was shut down. Shortly after, the vibrations decreased.
The Master Caution activated, along with an L FADEC FAIL warning. Three possible consequences of that are listed in the checklist, one of which is
engine shutdown. An ENGINE SYNC FAIL warning also lit, as well as an audible warning for the autothrottle being deactivated.
Civilian crews in a similar emergency took 1-2 minutes to analyze the situation and take action, while the Mishap Crew shut down the right engine 24
seconds after the initial blade failure. Based on simulations, the crew had 2 minutes to glide to Kabul, and could have reached FOB Shank, but after
realizing they couldn't reach Kabul, attempted to reach FOB Sharana which was outside the aircraft's capabilities with both engines out. The crew
notified Kandahar ATC that their intent was to land at KAF, which indicated they were confident they would be able to restart at least one engine.
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