Engine on Spirit Airlines Flight 165 experienced 'uncontained failure'

(UPI) -- An engine problem aboard Spirit Airlines Flight 165 is being investigated by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and it is believed that the engine experienced what is known as an uncontained failure.

In an uncontained failure, debris from the engine escapes through its hardened case and creates a problem judged to be more dangerous than other engine malfunctions.

The Airbus A319, carrying 150 people, had mechanical difficulties shortly after takeoff yesterday from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

After smoke filled the cabin, the failed engine was shut down and the plane returned to Dallas. None of the passengers aboard the flight to Atlanta were injured.

The NTSB is recalling some employees that were furloughed in the U.S. government shutdown to help with the probe. The Federal Aviation Administration is also investigating the incident.

NTSB Chairman Deborah Hersman told the Senate Commerce Committee on Oct. 11 that the agency had been forced to keep investigators away from at least 13 transportation accidents because of the government shutdown. 383 of the agency’s 405 employees were placed on leave without pay.

The motor that experienced problems was an International Aero Engines AG V2500. IAE is a partnership between United Technologies Corporation’s Pratt & Whitney unit, the Japanese Aero Engine Corporation and MTU Aero Engines in Germany.