Airbus A350 mishap: drinks spilled in cockpit - engines fail

In late January 2020, two engine failures occurred on Delta and Asiana flights. Both aircraft were Airbus A350s. In both incidents, pilots had accidentally spilled drinks over key areas of the centre console.

Drinks spilled in cockpit - engines fail
© Photo by imcockpit on Pixabay
18.07.2022

Firstly, the controls for starting the engines were affected, called ENG START. Secondly, liquid hit the ECP (ECAM Control Panel). ECAM stands for Electronic Centralised Aircraft Monitoring. This control panel contains various controls, also related to the engines, and is connected to screens.

In both incidents, one engine failed and the pilots were unable to restart the failed engine. However, they were able to land safely at alternate airports.

Danger recognised, danger averted.
Under a new directive, the following areas in the aircraft are now off-limits to liquids: the centre console, the pilot's and co-pilot's pull-out tables, the area of the two seats adjacent to the centre console, and the third seat in the cockpit.

Should the captain or first officer spill liquid over ENG START or the ECAM control panel during the flight, they are instructed to land at the nearest suitable airport (LAND ANSA command). Should an engine also fail, the cockpit crew is instructed to land as soon as possible wherever possible and safe (LAND ASAP command).