Pratt & Whitney To Inspect PW4000-112” Fan Blades Prior to Return to Service

EAST HARTFORD, CONN., February 23, 2021 – The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has issued an Airworthiness Directive requiring inspection of fan blades on the Pratt & Whitney PW4000-112” engines prior to their return to service.

The process requires the shipment of fan blades to Pratt & Whitney where Thermal Acoustic Imaging (TAI) inspection will be used to confirm airworthiness. The inspection is performed by Pratt & Whitney’s FAA-authorized repair station.

Pratt & Whitney powers approximately 125 Boeing 777 aircraft with its PW4000-112” engine. The directive applies only to the PW4000-112” model, and the fan blades that are unique to this engine type.

Pratt & Whitney is coordinating all actions with Boeing, airline operators and regulators. The safe operation of the fleet is our top priority.

Pratt & Whitney commends the flight crew operating United Airlines flight 328 for their professionalism.

Further investigative updates regarding United Airlines flight 328 will be at the discretion of the NTSB.