Engine trouble hits Air New Zealand’s 787 Dreamliners

A Rolls-Royce engine was shut down and was afterward found to be seriously damaged.

By Dominic Gates / The Seattle Times

Air New Zealand has canceled some international flights after problems with Rolls-Royce engines caused two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flights to turn back this week.

In the more serious incident December 5, a Tokyo-bound 787 had to turn back shortly after taking off from Auckland when the plane experienced shaking and strange noises. The engine was shut down and was afterward found to be seriously damaged.

Photos showed turbine blades in the engine badly damaged, most likely by a part that broke off.

Rolls-Royce has advised the airline that some of its engines require maintenance sooner than previously indicated. Last year, some Rolls-Royce engines on All Nippon Airways 787s were taken out of service because of turbine blade corrosion.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.