Related Accident
On January 16, 2002 a Garuda B737-300 experienced a dual engine flame out at 18,400 ft. in intense rain and hail. The flight crew was unable to restart the engines. The location was Solo City, Indonesia. The aircraft ditched in the river and there was one fatality. Some of the factors involved in this accident included:
- Flight crew navigating through severe weather but turned aircraft directly into thunderstorm. Weather radar displays can mislead - show highest intensity (worse than red) as “clear”. Pilots may perceive a gap in the weather where none exists.
- Both CFM56-3 engines flamed out due to intense hail. Engines incorporated design changes and improvements for rain and hail.
- Flight crew attempted 2 engine restarts, the first was a quick relight procedure and was unsuccessful. The second was an APU start, the battery failed concurrent with APU start attempt. Loss of battery resulting in inability to start APU and no power to engine igniters.
- Battery exhaustion prevents engine restart. Event did not result in engine hardware damage.
- Engines were confirmed to exceed latest hail 33.78 certification standard, however, the aircraft encountered a hail threat that may have exceeded certification standard. Threat not unique to B737 or CFM56 engines.
- Post event actions: FAA issued special airworthiness information bulletin to highlight that pilots are to avoid severe weather. NTSB issued safety recommendations requesting review and update of engine rain and hail ingestion standards.
In 2006, the FAA is continuing to work with AIA Propulsion Committee to determine if the current engine rain and hail certification standards should be revised.
