9M-MPM

On March 23, 2013 at 1806 UTC, a Boeing B747-4H6 airplane, 9M-MPM, experienced an explosion and fire while starting the No. 4 engine at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (JED). The GACA reported that, after pushback and during the No. 4 engine start, a loud explosion was heard in conjunction with a huge flame. Fire bottles were discharged. The flight was a scheduled passenger flight from JED to Kualampur, Malaysia. Postevent airplane inspection found moderate thermal damage to the right wing outboard flap trailing edge and the jackscrew fairing. There were 317 persons aboard; no injuries were reported.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is investigating this incident. As the State of Manufacture of the airplane and engines, the NTSB has designated a U.S. Accredited Representative under the provisions of Annex 13 to the Convention on Civil Aviation and offered assistance to the GACA in their investigation.

All inquiries concerning this accident should be directed to the GACA of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at:

Aviation Safety Department

Presidency of Civil Aviation

P.O. Box 887

Jeddah 21165

Saudi Arabia

Tel.: (966) 2 640-5000, 685-5509

Fax: (966) 2 685-5507

AFTN: OEJDYAYX

Telex: 601093 CIVAIR SJ

Cable: CIVILAIR JEDDAH