Flight International reported today that American Airlines is investigating an incident Thursday in which the engine on one of its Boeing 777-200ERs apparently failed to respond to throttle commands for several seconds during an approach into Los Angeles.
The incident, at this point, sounds somewhat similar to the problem that caused a British Airways 777-200 to land short of the runway at Heathrow recently. Both aircraft were equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent 800 engines.
According to the column,
“The incident involved American’s flight AA299 from Miami and occurred at a height of around 2,000ft as the aircraft was descending to Los Angeles.
In an information statement to members, the Allied Pilots Association – which represents American Airlines cockpit crew – says the aircraft experienced a “hang-up” of its left-hand engine.
“The auto-throttles were on and the left engine hung at approach idle as the right engine accelerated normally,” says the association.
“It is believed that the left engine would not respond to throttle inputs for 10-15 seconds before finally responding and accelerating to the commanded thrust.”
All of American’s 777-200ERs are fitted with Rolls-Royce Trent 800 powerplants.
Maintenance personnel have downloaded the flight-data recorder information and will examine the fuel tanks and engine fuel filters for possible contamination. Tests will also be carried out on the electronic engine control.”