Sun Country Airlines Boeing 737-800 Diverts to Spokane After Engine Shutdown

By Ivan PetrenkoJun 16, 2024 21:00 PMNews
Share:
SunCountry Airlines airplane is flying in the sky with clouds
SunCountry Airlines airplane is flying in the sky with clouds. Source: unsplash

On June 14th, 2024, a Sun Country Airlines flight from Seattle, Washington, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, experienced an inadvertent engine failure. The twin-engine Boeing 737-800 had a left engine failure during the cruise phase of the flight shortly after departing Seattle. The aircraft landed safely, and no injuries were reported.

What Happened?

Sun Country Airlines Flight 286 operates a nonstop flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP). However, an engine failure en route on Friday evening prevented the flight from being completed. According to the Aviation Herald, the aircraft reached its filed cruising altitude of 37,000 ft and was roughly 120 NM (222 km) east of Spokane International Airport (GEG) when the left engine, a CFM International CFM56 turbofan, failed.

The crew reported the engine failure, and after being unable to restart it, they shut it down and decided to divert. The engine failed approximately 45 minutes into the flight, according to the Flight Aware flight profile. The crew then turned around and landed safely on GEG’s runway 21, 30 minutes after the engine failure.

In a statement to Simple Flying, Sun Country Airlines said:

"Sun Country flight 286 from Seattle to Minneapolis St. Paul experienced an engine shutdown and diverted to Spokane Friday evening. Our pilots followed procedures, and the flight landed safely at Spokane. The safety of our passengers and crew are our priority, and we appreciate the work of our pilots and flight attendants to ensure the safety of our customers. We worked to provide accommodations for our passengers overnight, and the flight departed at 10:30 am local this morning on another aircraft. The flight is due to land in MSP in a few minutes."

The Boeing 737-800 (registered N856SY) is 10.3 years old and was delivered to the airline in March 2024. The cause of the engine failure has not been identified yet.

Engine Failure in Flight

Engines have come a long way since the early days of aviation when reliability was a significant issue. Today, engine failures are rare due to regular inspections and maintenance, but they do occur. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, turbine engines have a failure rate of one per 375,000 flight hours.

The most common causes of jet engine failures are similar to those of piston engines: fuel starvation or mechanical failure. Turbine engines are subjected to high pressures, temperatures, and stress.

The leading causes of mechanical failures are:

  • Blade Fatigue: Over time, the blades of the high-pressure and low-pressure turbines can wear out, resulting in micro-fissures that cause the blades to crack and break.
  • Bearing Failure: Bearings reduce the friction within an engine's spinning components and can fail due to normal wear and tear or poor lubrication.
  • Seal Deterioration: The engine seal helps maintain pressure in the different sections of the turbine engine. If a seal fails, the engine will cease producing thrust effectively.

The leading causes of fuel failures leading to engine failures are:

  • Fuel Contamination: Water or contaminants in the fuel can cause the engine to break down.
  • Fuel Distribution Issues: Fuel leaks and blockages could prevent the engine from receiving adequate fuel.
  • Pump Failures: Fuel pump failures prevent the engine from receiving fuel and can result in fuel starvation.

In Conclusion

The quick response of the Sun Country Airlines crew ensured the safety of all passengers during the engine failure incident. While engine failures are rare, this event highlights the importance of rigorous maintenance and the skills of aviation professionals in handling emergencies. The aircraft involved remains grounded pending inspection and maintenance.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Malaysia Airlines aircraft being loaded at the airport gate

Malaysia Airlines Reinstates Brisbane Route with Expanded Regional Access

Apr 18, 2025 23:21 PM
Aerial view of a beach on Seychelles, with turquoise waves and granite rock formations

Seychelles Launches Marine Programme for Environmentally Minded Travellers

Apr 18, 2025 21:34 PM

Maintenance Work to Impact Summer Departures at Hannover Airport

Apr 18, 2025 19:48 PM

Severe Rail Disruptions Ahead of Marathon and FA Cup

Apr 18, 2025 17:23 PM
Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 aircraft in mid-flight against a grey sky

Asia Travel Made Easier with New Airline Partnership

Apr 18, 2025 15:35 PM
Crowne Plaza hotel building under clear sky

Business Travel Gets Personal: New Hotel Perk Encourages Guests to Bring a Companion

Apr 17, 2025 23:31 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 taking off from the runway during daytime

Easter Flights Bring Seasonal Comforts for Travelers

Apr 17, 2025 20:25 PM
Two people walking with an umbrella during heavy rain on a flooded street

Weekend Weather Threatens Travel Across South West England

Apr 17, 2025 18:47 PM
Wizz Air aircraft in flight against cloudy sky

Wizz Air Expands Naples Routes with New Travel Destinations

Apr 17, 2025 16:33 PM

Maui faces water shortage amid tourist comfort

Apr 16, 2025 22:39 PM

New Direct Flight Simplifies Travel Between Munich and Dubai

Apr 16, 2025 20:42 PM
Interior view of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 with immigration area and directional signs

Changi Lounges to Expand Space and Comfort Over Two Years

Apr 16, 2025 18:24 PM
Rail workers operating heavy machinery to replace tracks during infrastructure upgrade

Train Delays Expected on Pisa to Rome Line This Summer

Apr 16, 2025 16:37 PM
Traveler with suitcase watching airplane take off at airport terminal

Antalya Airport Upgrade Enhances Travel Experience

Apr 15, 2025 16:46 PM
Dynjandi waterfall cascading down a rocky mountain in Westfjords, Iceland

Iceland’s Expanding Appeal for Nature-Loving Travellers

Apr 15, 2025 14:53 PM

Flexible Antalya Trips Now Easier from Graz

Apr 15, 2025 12:37 PM

UK Rain Warning Triggers Travel Caution for Midweek Journeys

Apr 15, 2025 10:44 AM
Ryanair plane landing at airport

Hidden Fees and Access Problems Reported on eDreams

Apr 15, 2025 08:21 AM
Passengers seated inside a city bus

Electric Buses Make Exploring Exeter Smoother for Visitors

Apr 15, 2025 06:39 AM
Munich Airport's central plaza with glass roof and modern architecture

New Munich Route Eases Access to Canadian Rockies

Apr 14, 2025 23:56 PM
Rail workers conducting track maintenance during daytime engineering works

Easter Rail Closures to Impact UK Holiday Travel

Apr 14, 2025 21:42 PM
Ryanair airplane in mid-flight against a blue sky

Expedia Adds Direct Ryanair Bookings Amid Shift in Airline Strategy

Apr 14, 2025 19:38 PM

Traveler Left Without Wheelchair After Hawaii Flight

Apr 13, 2025 21:41 PM

Winter Closure of Burgas Airport Will Impact Air Travel

Apr 13, 2025 19:34 PM
View of an empty airplane aisle from a low angle, showing rows of seats and overhead bins

Avelo Faces Backlash Over Deportation Flight Deal

Apr 12, 2025 22:49 PM
Airplane at airport gate during sunrise with ground crew preparing for departure

Quick Getaways Changing the Way Europe Travels

Apr 12, 2025 19:51 PM