Blown tires
Blown tires are difficult to determine from the cabin but may be evidenced by what appears to be the sound of a mini-explosion. During takeoff or landing, blown tires may cause the aircraft to veer left or right. Most occurrences of blown tires will not develop into an emergency situation that would require an evacuation of the aircraft. However, in remote cases, blown tires may cause subsequent brake fires as well as structural damage to the aircraft from the impact of rubber fragments.
Flight attendant procedure:
- Remain seated and belted at assigned exits.
- Be prepared for a possible evacuation.
- Explain the situation to the passengers.
- Be prepared to shout commands if passengers try to initiate an evacuation.
NOTE: Ground personnel are able to better determine the extent of damage, if any, caused by a tire blowout. Flight attendants are unable to do anything regarding this event other than to ensure calm and prevent any passenger from an overreaction and attempt to get out of the aircraft.
Engine compressor stall
Occasionally an engine may make a loud noise similar to an automobile backfire. This is caused by an interruption of air through the compressor section of the engine. The disrupted airflow causes strange combustion patterns, visible outside the engine as a fireball. A sound similar to an explosion will also be heard. The aircraft may lurch due to the interruption of engine synchronization. Often, once the stall is cleared out the engine will continue to run and produce thrust. Compressor stalls happen infrequently, however, the possibility of encountering one is greater during the departure roll than during cruise flight.
Flight attendant procedure:
- Notify the Captain.
- Explain the situation to the passengers in a calm and reassuring manner.
- Monitor the passengers.
Engine shutdown during flight
If a mechanical malfunction or engine fire should occur, the engine may need to be shut down. The PIC may decide to make an unscheduled landing. The PIC will decide what type of cabin preparation is required (normal or emergency) and an announcement will be made to advise the passengers of the change of destination if necessary.
Flight attendant procedure:
- Follow the PIC’s instructions.
- Monitor passengers.
Engine/APU torching
On occasion, an engine or auxiliary power unit (APU) will exhaust flame/smoke when starting. This may also occur during landing when the engines are being engaged in reverse thrust. An engine torching situation can be appropriately dealt with from the flight deck. Torching from an engine or APU exhaust is not normally a serious problem and does not necessarily require deplaning or an evacuation.
Flight attendant procedure:
- Inform the Captain.
- Explain the situation to the passengers in a calm and reassuring manner.
- Monitor passengers.
Fuel dumping
Due to a mechanical or emergency situation, the Captain may need to make an unscheduled landing. Aircraft have a maximum allowable landing weight and should this weight be exceeded, the method of weight reduction is through fuel dumping. On aircraft that have fuel dumping capability, fuel will be seen spraying out of the wing jettison valves. Typically, fuel dumping capabilities are only on large, wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing B777, B787, Airbus A350, and A380.
Flight attendant procedure:
- The Captain may make an announcement advising the passengers of the situation.
- The No Smoking will remain illuminated; continuously enforce. If the Fasten Seatbelt sign is illuminated, ensure passengers comply.
- Continually monitor the cabin for passengers smoking.
- Report the smell of excessive fumes in the cabin to the PIC immediately.
- All non-essential electrical equipment must be turned off.
