Shafted

As the aircraft climbed through FL190, the pilot reported a loss of power. An emergency descent was begun and an unscheduled landing was planned. Some power was restored as the airplane descended. On landing, inspection revealed the shaft between the turbocharger compressor and exhaust wheels had broken in two.

Editorial Staff

Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Multiple aircraft incidents involved critical shaft failures in diverse systems, including turbochargers, brake mechanisms, and engine control units.
The causes of these failures varied significantly, encompassing material fatigue, manufacturing defects (e.g., machining marks), suspected improper installation, and environmental factors like corrosion.
These mechanical failures led to serious operational issues such as sudden power loss, complete loss of braking, engine shutdowns, and massive oil leaks, often requiring emergency landings.