Boeing 777 Engine Fire: Air Canada Toronto Flight

Yes, flames were seen shooting from a Boeing 777 as an Air Canada flight returned to Toronto. The incident occurred on June 6, 2024, when Air Canada Flight 872, a Boeing 777-300ER, experienced an engine failure shortly after departure from Toronto Pearson International Airport. The crew declared an emergency and returned to Toronto, where the aircraft landed safely with no injuries reported.

What Happened on Air Canada Flight 872

The flight was bound for Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. Shortly after takeoff, the crew reported a problem with the right engine. Witnesses on the ground and in the air saw flames and sparks trailing from the engine. The pilots shut down the affected engine and requested priority landing back at Toronto. The aircraft circled to burn off fuel and landed safely about 30 minutes after departure. Emergency services met the plane on the runway as a precaution. No passengers or crew were hurt, and the aircraft was taken out of service for inspection.

Why Do Boeing 777 Engines Catch Fire?

Jet engines can catch fire for several reasons, but the most common is a failure in the engine’s internal components. The Boeing 777 typically uses engines from two manufacturers: GE Aviation (GE90) and Pratt & Whitney (PW4000). The June 2024 incident involved a Pratt & Whitney PW4090 engine. Known causes of engine fires include:

• Compressor stalls, where airflow disruption causes flames to exit the intake or exhaust.
• Oil leaks that ignite when they contact hot engine parts.
• Turbine blade failure, where broken blades can puncture the engine casing.
• Foreign object damage, such as bird strikes or debris on the runway.

In the 2024 incident, initial reports suggested a possible compressor stall or turbine blade failure, but the full investigation was ongoing. The engine was designed to contain most failures within the nacelle, which is why the fire did not spread to the aircraft.

How Pilots Handle an Engine Fire

Pilots are extensively trained for engine fires. The standard procedure follows the aircraft’s Quick Reference Handbook (QRH):

1. Identify the failed engine (the one with the fire warning or abnormal indications).
2. Retard the throttle on that engine to idle, then shut it off using the fuel cut-off switch.
3. Activate the engine fire extinguisher bottle, which discharges a fire-retardant agent into the engine.
4. Run the appropriate checklists for engine failure and fire.
5. Declare an emergency with air traffic control, requesting priority handling and fire services on standby.
6. Fly the aircraft on the remaining engine, which is designed to handle the load for an extended period.

In this case, the pilots followed these steps and returned to Toronto without further incident. Modern jet engines are built to tolerate a single engine failure, and the aircraft can fly and land safely on one engine.

How Common Are Engine Fires on Boeing 777s?

Engine fires are rare, but they do happen. The Boeing 777 has been in service since 1995 and has a strong safety record. However, there have been several notable incidents involving engine failures on the 777:

• In 2020, a United Airlines 777 experienced a catastrophic engine failure shortly after takeoff from Denver, leading to debris falling on a residential area. That involved a Pratt & Whitney PW4000 engine.
• In 2018, a United Airlines 777 had an engine failure over the Pacific, but landed safely in Honolulu.
• In 2021, a 777 operated by a foreign carrier had an engine fire after landing in Moscow.

These events prompted regulatory scrutiny, especially on the PW4000 engine family. After the 2020 incident, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered inspections of certain 777s with PW4000 engines. The June 2024 incident is under investigation by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, and the findings will determine if any further action is needed.

What Happens to the Aircraft After an Engine Fire?

After an engine fire, the aircraft is grounded for a thorough inspection. The engine is removed and sent to a maintenance facility for teardown. Investigators examine:

• The turbine blades for signs of fatigue or manufacturing defects.
• The lubrication system for leaks or blockages.
• The engine control system for malfunctions.
• Any debris or damage to the nacelle and aircraft structure.

If a systemic issue is found, the regulator may issue an airworthiness directive (AD) requiring inspections or modifications on all affected engines. The aircraft itself may return to service after the engine is replaced and a test flight is completed. In the case of Air Canada Flight 872, the aircraft was a 777-300ER, and the airline likely had spare engines or could lease a replacement.

Safety Measures for Passengers

Passengers on a flight that experiences an engine fire may not be immediately aware of the situation. The pilots may not make an announcement until the emergency is under control. Key safety measures include:

• Passengers should remain seated with seatbelts fastened when instructed.
• Follow crew instructions, as they are trained for emergencies.
• If you see flames or smoke, inform a flight attendant immediately.
• In the unlikely event of an evacuation, leave your belongings behind and follow the illuminated exit signs.

Engine fires are one of the most serious emergencies a flight crew can face, but they are also one of the most thoroughly trained for. The fact that the Air Canada flight landed safely with no injuries is a testament to the effectiveness of those procedures and the robust design of the aircraft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was anyone hurt on Air Canada Flight 872?

No injuries were reported. All passengers and crew disembarked normally after landing, and the aircraft was towed to the gate.

What type of engine was on the Air Canada 777?

The aircraft was a Boeing 777-300ER powered by Pratt & Whitney PW4090 engines. These are high-bypass turbofan engines commonly used on the 777-300ER.

Can a Boeing 777 fly on one engine?

Yes, a Boeing 777 is certified to fly and land safely on one engine. The aircraft can fly for up to 180 minutes on a single engine under ETOPS (Extended-range Twin-engine Operations) rules, meaning it can be far from a diversion airport.

How do pilots extinguish an engine fire?

Pilots shut off the fuel supply to the engine and discharge a fire extinguishing agent (usually Halon or a similar gas) into the engine core. This smothers the fire by displacing oxygen. If the fire persists, a second bottle is available.

What should I do if I see flames on an engine during a flight?

Stay calm and follow the crew’s instructions. Do not get up from your seat unless told to do so. The flight crew is trained to handle this situation and will communicate when it is safe.

Will this incident affect my travel plans?

Only if you were booked on that specific aircraft. Air Canada will likely replace the aircraft or rebook passengers. The incident may cause minor delays as the airline adjusts its schedule, but it is unlikely to have a widespread impact.

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in t | Time in air (min) | min | 15 | 0
in d | Distance flown (km) | km | 5 | 0
out speed | Average speed (km/h) | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2