Narita, Japan: A Malaysia Airlines Airbus A330 operating Flight MH89 from Tokyo Narita Airport to Kuala Lumpur aborted takeoff on August 20 after black smoke was seen coming from the rear of its left engine during the departure sequence, prompting an emergency response and the closure of Narita’s main runway.
The aircraft was taxiing for departure at about 10:40 a.m. local time when a report was made to the fire department that black smoke could be seen coming from an engine. The aircraft subsequently stopped on the runway after an engine-related problem developed. Authorities have not yet identified the precise mechanical failure or confirmed a specific cockpit warning that triggered the rejected takeoff. Current reporting only establishes that an engine malfunction occurred and that smoke was observed from the left-engine area.
Flight MH89 was scheduled to operate the Narita-Kuala Lumpur route. The aircraft was an Airbus A330-300, identified in aviation records as 9M-MTK. It had 160 passengers and crew on board. Reports said there were no injuries.
Emergency services responded to the aircraft on the runway, with several fire engines and ambulances seen around the aircraft. Firefighters dealt with the smoke/fire involving the left-engine area. The aircraft was subsequently moved off the runway, while emergency personnel remained at the scene to inspect the aircraft and runway area.
The incident temporarily closed Runway A at Narita Airport, disrupting runway operations while authorities carried out inspections. Reports initially said the runway remained closed for about two and a half hours. Reports later said inspectors found a number of metal fragments on the runway. There were no reports of a continuing fuel leak or further fire hazard, and the responding fire vehicles were subsequently released.
Malaysia Airlines said all affected passengers are being assisted with their onward travel arrangements and will be accommodated on the next available flights. “Meals, lounge access and hotel accommodation are also being provided where applicable, while alternative travel arrangements are being made for affected passengers,” it said.
The airline apologised for the inconvenience and disruption caused while expressing appreciation for passengers’ patience and understanding. “Safety and well-being of passengers and crew remain the airline’s highest priority,” it said.
The aircraft did not continue its planned flight to Kuala Lumpur following the rejected takeoff. The investigation into the engine malfunction and the source of the smoke is continuing. At this stage, the left engine is the affected area, but authorities have not publicly confirmed the failed component or whether the smoke resulted from an engine fire, mechanical failure, oil-related issue or another technical fault.
The incident occurred before the aircraft became airborne, allowing the crew to stop the takeoff on the runway rather than deal with the engine problem in flight. Further technical inspection is expected to establish the exact cause.
