Cockpit drama after Qantas superjumbo blows an engine

Turns out that the engine failure of an A380 last month created problems on the aircraft that were far worse than first indicated. That included potential difficulties with two other engines, multiple electrical failures and problems with flight-control and fuel systems. A report from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau says that speedy action from the pilots averted a far worse incident. From the WSJ:

The report depicts the pilots methodically assessing whether the crippled, four-engine jetliner could be controlled during descent and a heavier-than-normal landing, even with fuel spewing out of the left wing, certain control panels possibly damaged on both wings and the crew unable to dump fuel. The report provides new details about the sequence of events, including the fact that cockpit instruments quickly indicated something was wrong with sensors on two other engines immediately after the failed engine spewed out flames and a stream of metal parts. The pilots decided to circle in a holding pattern for 50 minutes while they figured out an approach and landing strategy. The 53-page description of the incident also indicates, for the first time, that the A380's autopilot system disengaged on its own shortly before touchdown and the captain had to manually land the jet.

Airbus has not seen any cancellations of A380 orders following the Qantas incident, though today's report is likely to raise new concerns. The company had faced lots of technical problems leading up to the launch of its new aircraft.