The Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) of the Department of Transport is investigating the circumstances of this morning’s aircraft emergency at Shannon Airport.
According to one source, fan blades became separated from the jet’s right side engine and may have struck a section of the aircraft’s flight control surface. Fragments of fan blades are thought to have been found in a right wing elevator.
It’s also believed, according to the source, that the aircraft’s engine will have to be replaced so the jet is expected to remain grounded at Shannon for several days yet.
An AAIU spokesperson said: “A team of Inspectors is currently in Shannon conducting a preliminary investigation into a recent event.”