Easyjet A320 at Milan on Aug 12th 2013, engine doors torn off

An Easyjet Airbus A320-200, registration G-EZTC performing flight U2-2715 from Milan Malpensa (Italy) to Lisbon (Portugal) with 174 people on board, was in the initial climb out of Malpensa's runway 35R when the left hand engine's (CFM56) doors opened and were subsequently torn off the engine. The crew stopped the climb at about 3500 feet and returned to runway 35L for a safe landing about 10 minutes later.

Italy's ANSV have opened an investigation into the occurrence rated a serious incident reporting that debris off the engine doors also caused damage to the aft fuselage and tailplane.

In their annual bulletin released on Apr 30th 2014 Italy's ANSV reported the panels opened in a position close to rotation for takeoff. The aircraft received impact damage at the left hand fuselage and to the left hand slat #1 as well as a significant distortion of the engine pylon. The debris left behind on the runway as well as analysis of the fragments permitted to reasonably conclude the serious incident was caused by the failure to lock the access doors at the end of a scheduled maintenance check that had been done shortly before departure.

The ANSV found compelling similiarities with the accident at London Heathrow, see Accident: British Airways A319 near London on May 24th 2013, unlatched doors on both engines separated, fuel leak, engine on fire shut down. Subsequent research identified a total of 35 similiar occurrences, equally distributed between CFM56 and IAE V2500 engines. The ANSV is therefore in direct contact with the AAIB investigating the occurrence at London to develop a coordinated plan of action and subsequently organize a joint meeting at EASA, European Aviation Safety Agency responsible for certification of Airbus products, to explore EASA's intentions.

The distorted engine pylon (Photo: ANSV):

Passenger Photos: