A British aviation safety review has been ordered after a new video emerged showing a cargo plane suffering an engine failure over Kentucky. The footage, released on Tuesday, appears to depict a Boeing 747 freighter operated by a UK-based carrier losing power from one of its engines shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. The aircraft returned safely to the airport, and no injuries were reported.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority announced the review on Wednesday, citing the need to examine the incident’s implications for British-registered aircraft. The CAA said it would work with the US National Transportation Safety Board, which is leading the investigation. The aircraft, a 20-year-old 747, was carrying automotive parts to a destination in Europe.
Aviation experts noted that engine failures on four-engine aircraft are rare but typically manageable. The focus of the review will be on maintenance records and the engine manufacturer’s compliance with British airworthiness directives. The CAA has not grounded any aircraft but recommended voluntary inspections for similar models.
The video, which circulated on social media, shows flames and smoke trailing from the number three engine before the crew shut it down and declared an emergency. Analysts say the incident highlights the importance of rigorous safety protocols for cargo operations, which often operate with less public scrutiny than passenger flights. The review is expected to take several weeks.
