More problems for the 787 (and Japan Air)

[LukeSi]

Yesterday saw a Japan Air 787 on fire, today sees one spewing its fuel all over the tarmac, at Boston again.

Different plane to yesterday, the 6th issue within 35 days, not a good start for the "Dreamliner"

[pikeyboy]

Sounds more like nightmare liner.

[Ed]

'at Boston again'...are the two connected???

Dodgy fuel rig could have produced a small fire fuelling leak yesterday and an epic fuel fail today?

[The Restorer]

Just had a quick peep over at pprune. From what this layman can understand...

Yesterday's was down to an auxiliary li-ion battery that is only used on the ground. Apparently it's the first time such batteries have been used in a commercial airliner and as this particular pack is only used on the ground it may have less safeguards.

Today's fuel leak may be down to a fuel coupling issue that's already been identified.

[surveyor]

What surprises me is the NTSB not investigating because there is no accident.

I'm pretty sure the AAIB would investigate to at least some degree where there is the possibility that an accident could have happened in different circumstances.

[essayer]

surveyor said:

What surprises me is the NTSB not investigating because there is no accident.

* Insert generic Boeing-NTSB-USA conspiracy theory here *

[HoHoHo]

And another problem...

http://news.sky.com/story/1035431/boeing-787-dream...

I think I'll avoid this aircraft for the time being

[anonymous-user]

HoHoHo said:

And another problem...

http://news.sky.com/story/1035431/boeing-787-dream...

I think I'll avoid this aircraft for the time being

Probably being reported due to the recent spates of other issues, but 2 more reported incidents today. Cracks to the outer layer of cockpit windscreen (3rd time) and engine oil leak on another plane.

CNBC reporting FAA will announce a special review into the design and manufacture of the 787, with probable focus on the power infrastructure and supply..

[Grenoble]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-20988117

Yup...

[y2blade]

Grenoble said:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-20988117

Yup...

heard that on the radio earlier.

[LukeSi]

Oh dear really not a good start.

[Bradgate]

The 787 is a completely new type with many innovations and, as such, significant teething problems are to be expected. All aircraft develop technical problems on a fairly regular basis, but they don't make the headlines.

The most serious and worrying issue for the 787 is the fire in the Lithium Ion battery which starts the Auxiliary Power Unit. (The APU is a small jet engine in the tail of the aircraft which provides power to the aircraft's systems when the main engines are turned off. It is also used to start the main engines.) The 787 is the first application of LIB's in airliners.

If there is another LIB fire on a 787, I would expect the entire fleet to be grounded. It's that serious for Boeing.

[y2blade]

Japan Airlines Reports New Fuel Leak in Boeing 787


TOKYO January 13, 2013 (AP)

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/japan-air...

[Grenoble]

I think Boeing might need to reach for the J&J Tylenol reaction.

Withdraw them all and inspect - we are moving away from minor defects and into consumer confidence / reputation management?