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A350 engine shutdown incidents linked to cockpit drink spills
Airbus and Rolls-Royce are investigating two incidents in which A350s experienced uncommanded in-flight engine shutdown after drinks were spilled on controls situated on the cockpit centre pedestal.
FlightGlobal understands that the airframer is to discuss the matter with operators on 30 January, and will issue a transmission on recommended practices for handling beverages on the flightdeck.
One of the incidents involved a Delta Air Lines A350-900 en route to Seoul on 21 January, which diverted to Fairbanks after its right-hand Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engine shut down, while a similar event occurred to another carrier in November last year.
[...] The previous incident, on 9 November 2019, occurred about 1h after tea was spilled on the centre pedestal, FlightGlobal understands.
Apparently, waterproofing keys is against the spirit of Airbus engineering as membranes cost way too much.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Monday February 03 2020, @12:48AM
Well, yes and no. There has to be at least two people in the cockpit at any given time. If there is no relief pilot or cleared cabin crew available to relieve you, you cannot leave.
Also, for what it is worth, most airlines I am aware of require spill-proof cups or water bottles. I spend most of my time in Boeing aircraft, but I remember the A330 models I've been in having cup holders and vaguely remember the A350s having them as well.