On 5th October, Frontier Airlines Airbus A321-200 caught fire upon landing at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas on Saturday. Flight 1326, with 196 passengers abroad, had just arrived from San Diego International Airport when flames were detected near the right main landing gear. Fortunately, all passengers and crew were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported. However, the flight’s scheduled return to San Diego, FFT1465, was delayed by around three hours due to pending safety checks.
The Incident
The Airbus A321-200, operated by a major commercial airline, was completing a routine flight when the fire broke out as it landed on runway 26L at LAS. Initial reports suggest that the fire originated from the plane’s left engine shortly after the aircraft touched down. Airport fire and rescue teams quickly responded, managing to extinguish the flames within minutes. However, significant damage to the aircraft’s fuselage was evident.
Cause of fire to be added
About Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines, an ultra-low-cost carrier headquartered in Denver, operates a fleet primarily composed of Airbus A320 family aircraft. The airline is one of the largest low-cost carriers in the U.S., known for its budget friendly domestic flights. N701FR is a nine-year-old Airbus A321 that has logged nearly 28000 flight hours and over 11900 flight cycles.
In January 2024, another Frontier Airlines Airbus A321 was involved in a similar incident shortly after takeoff from Denver International Airport, where an engine fire indication led to an emergency landing. Fortunately, the fire indication disappeared, and no actual fire was found. These incidents highlight the rigorous safety protocols in place to handle such emergencies effectively.
Frontier Airlines has a strong safety record, operating under strict safety protocols and performing regular maintenance checks on its fleet. As with all such incidents, the aircraft involved in this emergency will be thoroughly inspected before being cleared for future flights.
Investigation
While an official investigation is still underway, experts are speculating that the fire may have been caused by a malfunction in the engine or a hydraulic system failure. Engine fires, though rare, are serious events that can occur due to mechanical wear, bird strikes, or fuel leaks. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are expected to lead a thorough investigation into the root cause of the fire.
The Airbus A321-200 is part of Frontier Airlines’ fleet of fuel-efficient narrow-body jets. This model, typically used for domestic routes, is known for its reliability, but mechanical issues such as overheating brakes or hydraulic system failures can occasionally occur during high-stress maneuvers like landing. In this case, the heat generated during the landing could have caused smoke or fire to emerge near the wheel well.
More info in the following days regarding the investigation to be added
Conclusion
The prompt actions of pilots and emergency responders helped ensure the safety of passengers and crew members. As the investigation proceeds, more information is expected to be revealed about the cause of the fire and help provide any necessary preventive measures. Stay tuned to Travel Radar for updates on this ongoing investigation.
Final investigation updates
As the investigation continues, passengers can rest assured that Frontier Airlines is taking all necessary steps to prevent similar incidents in the future. Be sure to follow Travel Radar for updates on this developing story.
sad news :(