L2021-E1 The return of an airliner to the Helsinki Airport due to a technical reason on 21 February 2021

A Japan Airlines flight (JL48) departed from the Helsinki Airport on 21 February 2021 at 6.21 p.m. towards the Haneda airport in Tokyo. Due to a vibration in the right engine that occurred during the flight, the captain of the aircraft made the decision to return to the Helsinki Airport after a flight of 1 h 20 min, because there would have been a long flight in Russian airspace ahead and it would have been difficult to get help at the alternate airports specified. The engine that gave an indication of vibration was not shut down. The instructors lowered both the flying altitude and air speed significantly, following the standard methods. At the time of approaching Helsinki, all indications from both engines were normal. The flight landed without issues at 10.02 p.m.

The aircraft was inspected, and it stayed in Helsinki for maintenance.

During the inspection, it was found that a large piece of the plating had fallen off one of the fan blades. This caused an imbalance in the engine, which was detected by the vibration sensors.

The incident did not cause any personal damage, and with the exception of the plating coming loose, no other material damage occurred. No rescue measures were taken.

The decision of the crew to interrupt the flight was proactive with regard to aviation safety.

Further information:

Chief Safety Investigator Janne Kotiranta tel. +358 2951 50703

Executive Director, Professor Veli-Pekka Nurmi tel. +358 2951 50701