Uncontained Engine Starter Failure, General Electric CF6-80E1-A3, Darwin Aerodrome, 24 October 2007, VH-QPE, Airbus A330-300

On 24 October 2007 at Darwin Aerodrome, an Airbus A330-300,
registered VH-QPE, made two unsuccessful attempts to start the
right engine. Subsequent inspection of the engine revealed an
uncontained failure of the starter turbine and secondary damage to
the integrated drive generator.

The starter was returned to the manufacturer to conduct a
failure investigation. The investigation revealed damage consistent
with 'crash engagement' of the starter resulting in failure of the
overrunning bearing. The blades were designed to separate from the
turbine disc in this event, however, the starter failed to contain
the cut-off blades as designed. The manufacturer proposed
corrective actions to prevent further occurrences.