Second time in 5 months: SpiceJet Boeing 737 MAX returns safely to Chennai post engine snag

NEW DELHI: In a second case of a MAX engine inflight shutdown (IFSD) in five months, a SpiceJet Boeing 737 MAX, which was flying from Chennai to Durgapur on Tuesday, has been grounded.
One of the engines of the aircraft had suffered an IFSD at 8.19 pm, an hour after its take-off. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is investigating into the matter.
“The SpiceJet B737-8 MAX (VT-MXA) operating as SG-331 from Chennai to Durgapur was involved in an air turnback due to commanded number 2 engine IFSD. During climb, engine number 2’s oil filter bypass light got illuminated. The pilot in command carried out IFSD of number 2 engine as per the SOP. An air turnback was initiated and the aircraft landed safely in Chennai,” officials investigating Tuesday's engine snag said. CFM's LEAP-1B engines are used on the Max.
On December 9 last year, a SpiceJet MAX had to return to Mumbai soon after take-off for the same reason.

Meanwhile, a SpiceJet spokesperson confirmed the sang and said: "SpiceJet flight SG-331 operating from Chennai to Durgapur on May 3 returned to Chennai after take-off due to a technical issue. The aircraft landed back safely.”

A spokesperson for Boeing said there were awaiting an investigation. Comments from CFM have been sought and are awaited.
Boeing 737 Max aircraft had resumed flying in India during the last winter. As of now, SpiceJet is the only Indian carrier that uses this aircraft. Billionaire investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala’s Akasa has also ordered 72 of the Max.