Created Monday, Apr 24th 2023 17:20Z, last updated Tuesday, Apr 25th 2023 15:43Z
A Flydubai Boeing 737-800, registration A6-FED performing flight
FZ-576 from Kathmandu (Nepal) to Dubai (United Arab Emirates) with 167 people on board, was climbing out of Kathmandu when the aircraft sustained a bird strike. While the crew was analyzing the situation, the aircraft levelled off at FL280, subsequently climbed to FL340 and continued the flight to Dubai currently being enroute.
Ground observers posted videos claiming the aircraft was on fire (editorial note: possibly confusing landing lights with fire) and was refused permission to return to Kathmandu. Other observers claimed the aircraft suffered an engine (CFM56) fire.
A passenger video surfacing on Apr 25th 2023 shows the left hand engine suffered three compressor stalls/engine surges (bangs and streaks of flames).
The airline reported the aircraft experienced a bird strike on departure from Kathmandu. After following the standard operating procedures the crew continued the flight to Dubai where the aircraft is estimated to arrive at 00:14L about one hour behind schedule following a departure of about 75 minutes past schedule.
On Apr 25th 2023 a spokeswoman for Civil Aviation Authority Nepal (CAAN) (editorial note: unbelievably) said, that an engine caught fire on takeoff from Kathmandu, the fire had been brought under control, the flight was normal then and continued to Dubai.
The CAAN subsequently banned two Flydubai Managers from entering Kathmandu Airport stating their claim of a bird strike was misleading. There was no evidence of a bird strike, however, one engine caught fire shortly after takeoff from Kathmandu. A technical committee has been set up to investigate the occurrence. (Editorial note: How on earth can an engine on fire and damaged by fire produce sufficient thrust to permit the aircraft to climb to FL340 - this CAAN claim is thus beyond belief and raises questions about the competence of the CAAN).
The airline indicated they are going to respond to the CAAN claims shortly.
Related Flight:
FZ576, Twitter:
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