757s Grounded Due to Engine Cracks
 

757s Grounded Due to Engine Cracks

Airlines have grounded several Boeing 757 jets while they scramble to make repairs or find replacement parts because of cracks in the air-flow blades of their Pratt & Whitney engines.

At least two in-flight engine failures have been blamed on the cracks since late last year.

The cracking has happened in the stator vane, a stationary blade made of steel alloy that helps direct air flow through the engine.

The cracking can cause an engine to shut down. But the 757 has two engines and can fly on one.

``We believe the cracking is caused by the variety of pressures the engine is undergoing,'' said Mark Sullivan, a spokesman for Pratt & Whitney.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/nati...rchpv=aponline