Latest XH558 Newsletter

[Xplumberlives]

Thanks Jigster, so it's looking like either birds or runway detritus causing Foreign Object Damage!



I look forward to further updates as the Engineers get stuck in to the problem.

[Minty4371]

Looks like more news on what happened, and what is going to happen, will appear tomorrow in the email newsletter. This was what came today.
As most of you will now be aware, XH558 experienced damage to two of her engines during an aborted take-off run at Robin Hood Airport yesterday.
Our next issue of NEWSBYTES will now be tomorrow, Wednesday 30th May.
This will give us sufficient time to collate the findings of our investigation so far, and to commence the recovery process, in order to give our supporters a more accurate review of the situation.
In the meantime, we thank you for your patience.

[Xplumberlives]

Thanks Minty

I look forward to tomorrows details.

[Mayfly]

Fair dues and well done for the interim update.

[Jigsaw]

It is great that they are keeping us updated, I agree. Thanks for the update Minty

[Sooty655]

Thanks Jigster, so it's looking like either birds or runway detritus causing Foreign Object Damage!

I look forward to further updates as the Engineers get stuck in to the problem.

Possibly, but given the Olympus history, it is equally likely to be a compressor blade failure.

[Xplumberlives]

Indeed it could be, such a damned shame!

[Mayfly]

I never knew there were so many Olympus experts about but it appears there are loads of them all over the internet

[Xplumberlives]

:-o I never knew there were so many Olympus experts about but it appears there are loads of them

I've worked with jet engines for a while and I think Sooty knows a fair bit about Olympii!

[Vulcan Bomber]

Thanks Jigster, so it's looking like either birds or runway detritus causing Foreign Object Damage!

I look forward to further updates as the Engineers get stuck in to the problem.

Possibly, but given the Olympus history, it is equally likely to be a compressor blade failure.

My personal opinion is a compressor blade.. Sad to think it'd be the 3rd time at least that its happened to 558.

[Dougs]

I am a little confused by the possibilty of blade ( of vane) failure shutting down both no. 1&2 tho ??
I do hope its nothing too damaging the last thing the guys need is two dead engines

[Vulcan Bomber]

I am a little confused by the possibilty of blade ( of vane) failure shutting down both no. 1&2 tho ??
I do hope its nothing too damaging the last thing the guys need is two dead engines

If for what ever reason an engine destroys its self they surge which means the air flow through them reverses.... All the bits that come from a broken engine leaves the intake, not the jet pipe.

When you have an engine next to it sucking 5 tons of air a minute it will suck in the bits from the broken engine and goes through much the same process

[Mayfly]

We'll find out soon enough - I sincerely hope it's was FOD.....

[Nickolas]

I am a little confused by the possibilty of blade ( of vane) failure shutting down both no. 1&2 tho ??
I do hope its nothing too damaging the last thing the guys need is two dead engines

If for what ever reason an engine destroys its self they surge which means the air flow through them reverses.... All the bits that come from a broken engine leaves the intake, not the jet pipe.

When you have an engine next to it sucking 5 tons of air a minute it will suck in the bits from the broken engine and goes through much the same process

Bit like us humans then. Eat or drink something that doesn't agree with you, then you are sick.
Oh gosh I do hope this is not too bad but I just can't help fearing the worst. Pleeeeeeease can I be totally wrong. I'd be happy to be on the wrong end of the tongue lashing if I was. (Especially from Pam).

[Dee]

I just hope shes fixable, life will be so dull witout that howl!!

[Minty4371]

Another money update

DEADLINE 31st MAY
APPEAL TOTAL:
£271,986

MAY TARGET
£90,000
TO DATE: £62,518

Now waiting for the other update on what happened

Engine Damage Update - issued Wednesday 30th May - 5pm
The technical team spent yesterday (Tuesday) investigating the engine damage on XH558, to determine its cause and to start assessing the timescale and cost of rectification.
We have already established that both engines No.1 and No.2 on the port side are sadly beyond repair, both having suffered blade damage and the effect of excessive heat.
The primary cause of the damage has been determined to be ingestion of silica gel desiccant bags. The most likely sequence of events was that material was ingested by No.1 engine, which surged and suffered LP compressor blade failure. Debris was then sucked into No. 2 which then also failed.
All relevant agencies and technical authorities have been informed. “We have been greatly reassured by the support from industry colleagues, and would like to thank all those who have offered help,” said engineering director Andrew Edmondson.
We would also like to place on record our thanks to all at Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield for their swift and professional reaction on Monday, whilst also apologising to those affected by delays or diversions.
In accordance with normal procedures, a formal investigation into the incident has been opened, chaired by the Chairman of the Trust’s Safety Review Committee.
The technical inspection has so far showed that no airframe damage was sustained, with damage being limited to the engines. The next step is to replace the damaged engines with two from the Trust’s remaining stock. Timescales for a return to flight are not yet clear – we will of course update the web site with progress and give details in the e-newsletters each week.
“We are deeply sorry that this incident has happened, and at this time in 2012. The additional unplanned costs are clearly very worrying as resources are, as ever very tight” said the charity’s chief executive, Dr. Robert Pleming. “We are actively working on a plan to recover our Jubilee season schedule and we will share this with you as soon as practical via the newsletter, Facebook page, Twitter feed and the web site.”
With many thanks to all for continuing to support Vulcan XH558.
The Vulcan Team

[Mayfly]

Thats interesting and to certain extent good news - and I suppose it explains the reports of glass being found on the runway

[Nickolas]

Bit unfortunate to say the least but NO ONE DIED.

Glass had me wondering too and now we have the answer.

Personally, it was an accident, but all part of life's rich pageant. I'd hate for anyone to get into trouble for this. It happens in life. Lets, let the lads get the spanners out and get on with the task in hand. They need our support and solidarity.

The airframe is intact and that is a major cause for celebration in my books.

"Looks like we have a job of work to do"............

[Mayfly]

I've just posted in the same theme on TVOC forum Nick - I whole heartedly agree. It obviously wasn't deliberate.

[Dee]

In other words somebody has dropped a bloody big clanger!!

[Nickolas]

Yes Dee you are quite correct BUT the guys probably feel bad enough themselves for this so I'd like to see all comments cease on this topic and let the lads get on with it. Our role is to help sup[port them at this time (Morally and financially).

[Dee]

No more adverse comments from me i assure you!! Ive always supported 558 in every way i can and that wont stop now !!But really quite miffed thats all!!!!

[Dougs]

whoops
@vulcan bomber i am aware of what engine surge is and what happens however the lenght of the intake tunnels on the vulcan would make a second engine failure unlikely (altho not impossible)

Edit; sorry vb u dead right

[Vulcan Bomber]

whoops
@vulcan bomber i am aware of what engine surge is and what happens however the lenght of the intake tunnels on the vulcan would make a second engine failure unlikely (altho not impossible)

Edit; sorry vb u dead right

558 lost engines 3 & 4 due to a seagul way back in the 70's during a take off run... After v1 however, she got airborne, did a single circuit and landed, she flew again 6 months later... Its believed that because of this 6 month rest, when 426 was retired 558 still had so many hours left on her airframe... And aparently you can see the scars on 558 to this day from that incident.


On another note, i'd like to say well done to the guys that worked at Bristol Siddley that made the olympus engines... It would seem at the minute that the engine explosions were contained by the engines casings.

[Mayfly]

Well seeing as IA and this thread has been mentioned on most of the larger fora tonight I thought it appropriate to link here too!

http://www.iconicaircraft.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=1814