Metal fatigue apparently played role in engine explosion on United Flight 328 over Denver, NTSB chief says – CBS News

NTSB chief Robert Sumwalt says investigators believe it played a role. The mid-air explosion sent debris down onto a Denver suburb.

According to CBS Denver, Sumwalt said the engine made a loud bang and started vibrating about four minutes after takeoff from Denver International Airport. He said the plane was about 12,000 feet above homes at the time.

Sumwalt said two fan blades in the engine broke — one at the base where it meets the hub and the second about mid-way. He said the first blade caused “overload damage” to the second blade.

Source: Metal fatigue apparently played role in engine explosion on United Flight 328 over Denver, NTSB chief says – CBS News