PORTLAND, OR, USA
N9015U
BOEING B-737-222
AFTER TAKEOFF, THE ACFT WAS CLIMBING THRU ABOUT 4000 FT WHEN THE APU FIRE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FLT CREW DISCHARGED THE FIRE EXTINGUISHING UNITS & REQUESTED AN EMERGENCY LANDING. A TEARDOWN OF THE APU REVEALED EVIDENCE THAT A HARD OBJECT WAS INJESTED INTO THE 1ST STAGE COMPRESSOR IMPELLER, BENDING 2 OF THE BLADES. THE OBJECT CONTINUED THRU THE ENG & IMPACTED THE EXDUCER BLADE. THE BLADE FAILED AT A CRACK & PENETRATED THE EXHAUST PIPE ASSEMBLY. HOT GASES THEN VENTED INTO THE COOLING AIR PASSAGE & OVERHEATED THE TAIL CONE & AFT PORTION OF THE APU.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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