The cause of the runway fire during the pre-flight test of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner's engine is being investigated.
The fire occurred on Saturday at Charleston International Airport in South Carolina, forcing the centre to close for more than an hour. Falling debris from the engine landed on the runway and sparked the grass. No one was injured in the accident.
The National Transportation Safety Board is working with Boeing Co. and US officials to investigate the incident, to determine why and how it occurred.
The inquiry found no damage to the front fan, and has ruled out objects being sucked in to the engine. The focus is now on the rear components of the engine turbine, where evidence confirms debris exiting. General Electric Co powers the engine.
Dreamliner Fire Investigation
GE ambassador Rick Kennedy stated that the components would be further examined at one of their company facilities in North Carolina or Ohio.
Boeing claimed to be "unaware of any operational issue that would present concerns about the continued safe operation of in-service 787s powered by GE engines" in their company statement. However, "should the investigation determine a need to act, Boeing has the processes in place to take action and will do so appropriately."
The first manufactured Dreamliner from the North Charleston plant was tested in April with no complications. Candy Eslinger, spokeswoman for Boeing, confirmed that the company is proceeding with production plans for this model.
Dreamliner Runway Fire
Kennedy also asserted that there are about 100 GEnx engines in operation, and this is the first "significant issue."
The Dreamliner is the first aircraft to be predominantly crafted from composite materials. The plane is designed to fly long haul routes whilst reducing fuel consumption.
Airbus, a potential rival, announced delays to its A350 aircraft. The company is also taking a greener initiative by crafting the plane from carbon composites.
Nippon and Japan Airlines are currently the only companies operating aircraft. The Dreamliners have been flying since late 2011 after 3 years of delays.
In September, United Continental plans to start operating 787s, making it the first US airline to use them.
Boeing Dreamliner image courtesy of Boeing
