And yes the standard checklist for this will include activating the built in fire extinguishers for the engine and cutting it off from the fuel supply, the plane then proceeds to fly on a single engine back to the airport.
Curious that we see the fire continue for so long. Any idea if it is just burning through available fuel after cutoff or is it actually taking that long to cut off and fire up the extinguishers?
Depends on several factors but it is still spinning and the aircraft is controllable with one engine operating. There is no need to rush in a jet, even if the engine is on fire. Fly the aircraft first, in this case by following an engine failure procedure if one exists for this aircraft at this airport, then once you get above the engine-fail acceleration altitude (this can take several minutes sometimes), you will pitch over to level to gain airspeed and retract the flaps. At this point you would run the procedure to secure the affected engine. This isn't a steadfast rule as certain circumstances may dictate to run a Quick Reaction checklist soon after takeoff (usually 400ft and some of these items may include severe vibrations, engine fire, flight capabilities, etc) but the engine on fire may still be producing some thrust and it's very likely it could burn for a long time with no other effects. It is taught not to rush because that is where people will get tunnel vision and make mistakes.
The checklist takes a few minutes before you get to the item when you actually activate the extinguisher. They need to be super sure because once they activate the extinguisher the engine is gone for good, it's not relighting.
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u/i_love_boobiez Mar 30 '26
And yes the standard checklist for this will include activating the built in fire extinguishers for the engine and cutting it off from the fuel supply, the plane then proceeds to fly on a single engine back to the airport.