Dr Red,
Yes it is possible for an uncotained failure of a wing engine to disable the engine on the opposite wing. Happened on a DC10-10 wher the No 2 fan let go and debris hit the fuselage and also went under the fuselage to hit No1. The No 2 fan completely distroyed the front of the engine leaving th High Speed gearbox attached by only the electrical cables and Hydro lines.
Secondly throughout the thread, all failure analysis seem to be concerning engine. There are also system failures that could be equally uncomfortable.
Durring B777 test program one air sytem was shut down whereon the main Non Return Valve failed so the aircraft depressurised through the dead system. This happened on 2 separate occasions - first low level - second 40,000 ft. The crew did emergency descent and were taken to hospital.
Imagine complete depressurisation at PON and what the fuel burn would be at 10,000ft !