NTSB · Safety Recommendation
Safety Recommendation A-18-005
Recommendation
TO THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION: Revise Advisory Circular (AC) 20-128A, “Design Considerations for Minimizing Hazards Caused by Uncontained Turbine Engine and Auxiliary Power Unit Rotor Failure,” based on an analysis of uncontained engine failure data since the time that the AC was issued, to minimize hazards to an airplane and its occupants if an uncontained engine failure were to occur. The revised AC should include modifications to the accepted design precautions for fuel tanks given the fires that have occurred after uncontained engine failures.
Safety Issue and Context
On October 28, 2016, about 1432 central daylight time, American Airlines flight 383, a Boeing 767-323, N345AN, had started its takeoff ground roll at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Chicago, Illinois, when an uncontained engine failure and subsequent fire occurred. The flight crew aborted the takeoff and stopped the airplane on the runway, and the flight attendants initiated an emergency evacuation. Of the 2 flight crewmembers, 7 flight attendants, and 161 passengers on board, 1 passenger received a serious injury, and 1 flight attendant and 19 passengers received minor injuries during the evacuation. The airplane was substantially damaged from the fire.
The airplane was operating under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 121. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.
Response History
March 19, 2026 · Recipient Response · FAA
The FAA is awaiting recommendations from the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC) Engine and Powerplant Interface Working Group (EPIWG) intended to address gaps in certification requirements and guidance material in response to the hazards identified in Safety Recommendation A-18-5.
June 25, 2025 · NTSB Correspondence · FAA
On June 13, 2025, Acting FAA Administrator Christopher J. Rocheleau informed us that the agency is continuing the work described in its previous letter regarding Safety Recommendations A-18-3 through -5. We look forward to receiving your next update.
June 13, 2025 · Recipient Response · FAA
-From Christopher J. Rocheleau, Acting Administrator: The FAA has delayed the public comment period of the newly revised Advisory Circular (AC) 20-128B, Design Considerations for Minimizing Hazards Caused by Uncontained Turbine Engine and Auxiliary Power Unit Rotor Failure, at the request of the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee, Engine and Powerplant Interface Working Group (EPIWG). The EPIWG (in response to a different NTSB Safety recommendation, A-19-20) is currently reviewing gaps in certification requirements and guidance materials between the FAA and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency related to the effects of engine rotor blade failures.
The EPIWG requested to review AC 20-128A concurrently with their gap analysis to reduce the workload on industry in recommending changes to and updating the same advisory material multiple times. The EPIWG intends to issue its recommendation report by January 31, 2026. The FAA will provide an updated schedule for publishing AC 20-128B after analyzing the EPIWG’s report.
I will keep the Board informed of the FAA’s progress on Safety Recommendations A-18-3 through -5 and anticipate providing an update by March 31, 2026.