Pratt & Whitney admits several in-flight engine shutdowns due to cracks

Airline Industry Information, Feb 16, 2004

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US aircraft engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney has reportedly admitted that there have been several in-flight engine shutdowns due to cracks developing.

A company spokesperson has revealed that six incidents occurred in the past five years in which in-flight shutdowns resulted from a compressor fracture in the company's JT8D-200 series engine. The spokesperson said the fracture would not compromise the safety of the aircraft.

Last month the cracks prompted Japan Air System to cancel nearly 600 flights, for emergency checks and component replacements.

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