Bleed valve wear leads to GE engine fire on regional jets

The offending part is a specific operability bleed valve installed on certain GE CF34-8C and CF34-8E series turbofan engines.

Failure of the valve ring lock fuel fittings can cause fuel leaks in the engine and uncontrolled fire resulting in damage to the aircraft. Of three failures reported, all occurred in CF34-8C engines and two led to fires without injury.

The FAA estimates fleet-wide repair on the 300 aircraft in the US will lead to costs of more than $7 million.

Of the two fires caused by the valve's failure, one occurred on takeoff. The crew responded in that case by shutting down the engine and activating fire-extinguishing systems before landing safely. Another fire occurred after landing. In that case, the crew shut off fuel to the engine and taxied safely to the gate. In both cases the aircraft suffered fire damage.

Compliance with the AD will require operators to remove the specific valve from service before it acquires 12,000 hours in service since new, or within four years of the AD, whichever comes first.