AA383 ORD - MIA 767 Runway Fire 2016-10-28
American Airlines 383 suffers a catastrophic engine failure and massive fire during takeoff at O'Hare.
Summary
On October 28, 2016, American Airlines Flight 383, a Boeing 767, experienced an uncontained engine failure during its takeoff roll at Chicago O'Hare. The flight crew successfully rejected the takeoff, but a massive fire erupted on the right side of the aircraft due to a ruptured fuel tank. This recording captures the calm but urgent coordination between the pilots and ATC as they initiate an emergency evacuation on the runway.
Analysis
This recording captures a textbook example of a high-speed rejected takeoff (RTO) due to a catastrophic mechanical failure. As American 383 Heavy was accelerating down Runway 28R, the right engine's Stage 2 high-pressure turbine disk fractured, sending shrapnel into the wing and puncturing a fuel tank. The resulting fire was immediate and intense, fueled by a significant amount of Jet A intended for the flight to Miami.
The exchange is notable for its professional brevity. The pilot's first indication of trouble to the tower is the simple statement, "American 383 Heavy stopping on the runway." The controller immediately recognizes the gravity of the situation, asking about smoke or fire. Once the pilot confirms the fire on the right wing, the controller instantly mobilizes Airport Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) services.
A critical moment occurs when the pilot informs the tower, "we're evacuating." In aviation, the decision to evacuate is solely the captain's responsibility, and once that call is made, the cockpit becomes a whirlwind of checklist actions to shut down engines and depressurize the cabin so doors can be opened. The ATC controller assists by closing the runway and providing the emergency frequency for the fire crews.
The aftermath of this incident was significant. While the aircraft was a total loss, all 170 occupants survived, with only one serious injury occurring during the evacuation. The NTSB investigation eventually traced the engine failure to internal "freckling" (a metallurgical defect) in the nickel-based alloy disk, leading to new inspection requirements for similar engine components across the industry.