One engine of a new Boeing 787 Dreamliner failed during a pre-delivery taxi test on Saturday, and the NTSB is investigating to find out why. The engine failure left debris on the active runway at Charleston (S.C.) International Airport and sparked a brush fire. The safety board said an investigator was sent to the scene, and as a result, it was decided it would be necessary to disassemble and examine the GE engine to determine the cause of the failure. There were no injuries in the incident.
In a statement quoted by USA Today, Boeing said, “While the investigation is in its early stages, we are unaware of any operational issue that would present concerns about the continued safe operation of in-service 787s powered by GE engines.” A company spokesperson added that after the investigation is complete, Boeing will “determine what went wrong and come up with a remedy.” The engine will be examined at GE’s facility in Cincinnati.
