An Airbus A320 aircraft of S7 Airlines, operating a flight from Novosibirsk to Krasnodar, was forced to return to the departure airport after an engine fire during the flight. The Airbus crew decided to return to Novosibirsk, reported the Eastern Interregional Investigative Directorate for Transport of the Investigative Committee of Russia.
There were 160 passengers on board. The landing proceeded normally at Tolmachevo International Airport. No injuries were reported.
Following the incident, the Novosibirsk Transport Prosecutor's Office initiated an investigation under Article 263 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation – on violation of air transport safety rules and operation.
Investigators of the Investigative Committee of Russia also went to the aircraft's landing site to ascertain all the circumstances of the incident.
Airbus aircraft are equipped with Western-made engines – in particular, CFM LEAP power units from CFM International and PW1000G manufactured by Pratt & Whitney. These are some of the most common passenger aircraft in the world.
Airbus engines are considered to be highly fuel-efficient, but require regular maintenance.