NTSB wants inspections after Delta engine failure

The National Transportation Safety Board has recommended that the Federal Aviation Administration require inspections of a type of engine after one failed on a Delta Air Lines flight.

An Aug. 6 Delta flight from Las Vegas on a Boeing 757-232 jet with Pratt & Whitney PW2037 engines had a problem at the start of its takeoff, according to the NTSB. The pilots heard a loud bang and saw that the right engine had lost power. The flight returned to the gate. There was no fire and no injuries, the NTSB said.

An inspection revealed missing lugs and cracks in the turbine hub, the NTSB said. Turbine hubs cracks also were found in an American Airlines plane.

The NTSB said Thursday the discoveries “raise serious concerns and warrant immediate action by the FAA.”

The board recommended the FAA require that the PW2037 engines be removed from service for inspection of the hubs when they reach a significantly lower level of usage than the Delta engine had reached, and that they undergo inspections until the cause of the problem is identified.

Delta spokesman Kent Landers said the airline will do the inspections as part of its regular cycles.

The FAA believes the problem is a “manufacturing quality” issue, said spokeswoman Laura Brown. “We’re working aggressively on an appropriate response,” Brown said.

“Pratt & Whitney’s top priority is the safety of our customers,” said spokeswoman Jennifer M. Whitlow. She said the investigation is ongoing “and we are fully cooperating.” She said there are 725 PW2037 engines on Boeing 757s.