Sparks coming from engine on Virgin A340-600
 

Can anyone answear this question? I was departing Hong Kong the other evening (in the dark) in a Virgin A340-600 when I noticed that the inboard port engine was emitting a large amount of sparks from the rear (not fire). The outboard was not sparking. Obviously, from the process that is taking place inside the engine, things like this could happen. However, this went on for a couple of minutes. Just as I was about to alert a member of the cabin crew, it stopped. Just intrigued as to what the reason for this is and why this happens.

I hope you did alert a member of the cabin crew. You cant always assume that the pilots are aware of whats going on, especially when its something thats out of sight to them....lets not ever forget the lessons learnt from the Kegworth disaster!

Iron (or magnesium) filings do a good job of making sparks :eek:

Time for a little oil analysis :confused:

Probably just the water-meth injection :}

Probably carbon deposits, seen it once before. But please alert a crew member.

Carbon deposits.

I am guessing the engine was a RR trent - 700 0r 800 can't remember.

This engine on the A340-500/600 has had a horrible record on this airframe.

Rumour has it the EK have had over 20 engine changes of this type in the previous 12 months on their Airbus fleet.

At present SIA have numerous RR powered 777 grounded due to lack of engines.

I am guessing what you were seeing was the erosion/failure of the HP compressor as this seems to be its' archilies heal at the moment.
Usually causes no problem during the flight except for a small parameter shift in egt or N3 vibes and that the engine won't start after the next transit if the shift isn't noticed....

As apaddyinuk mentioned, You should have brought what you were seeing to the attention of the CC to get it looked at next port...

:ok: