Investigation into Engine Fire on SQ368

Mr Yee Chia Hsing asked the Minister for Transport if he can provide an update on the investigation into the cause of the engine fire on SQ368 on 27 June 2016, including whether pre-flight checks have been conducted properly, and what is being done to ensure that a similar incident does not happen again.

We are taking the incident on 27 June 2016 involving SQ368 very seriously, notwithstanding the fact that there were no casualties and that airport operations returned to normal in a matter of hours.

The Air Accident Investigation Bureau of Singapore (AAIB) has already started its investigations into the incident. Its aim is to establish the cause and make recommendations to prevent recurrence.

The investigation is being conducted in accordance with protocols set by the International Civil Aviation Organization. The investigation team includes accredited representatives from the US National Transportation Safety Board and technical advisers from the Federal Aviation Administration, the aircraft manufacturer Boeing and engine manufacturer General Electric. The AAIB investigation covers issues, such as aircraft operations, aircraft maintenance, training, the design and manufacture of the aircraft and engine, human factors, as well as regulatory oversight.

Separately, as the safety regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) is also conducting its own investigations to ensure the continued safety of air travel. Its investigations include reviewing whether the aircraft and engine were well maintained and whether the flight operations and emergency response were conducted in accordance with regulatory requirements and procedures. CAAS' preliminary findings are that the pre-flight aircraft checks were carried out properly and by qualified personnel.

We expect the AAIB investigation to take approximately six months, as the engine and its components will need to be taken apart carefully and examined. It is our intention for the findings of the investigation to be made public. In the meantime, CAAS has worked with Singapore Airlines to ensure that all safety procedures continue to be strictly adhered to on all its flights.