On May 18th, a LATAM Brasil Boeing 767 had to return to Recife after takeoff due to engine vibrations. The aircraft was on its initial climb out when the plane suffered a suspected birdstrike causing the incident. The aircraft then safely returned to Recife.

LATAM Brasil 767 suffers engine vibrations

Flight JJ4779 is a regularly scheduled commercial flight from Recife Airport to Sao Paulo– Guarulhos. LATAM Airlines Brasil generally operates a Boeing 767-300 on the three-hour route. Although, sometimes, an A321 flies the route.

However, on May 18th, the aircraft flying that route suffered engine vibrations shortly after takeoff, as reported in the Aviation Herald. On the climb out, the crew faced excessive vibrations on the right-hand engine. The pilots then decided to return to Recife. About 25 minutes after takeoff, the aircraft was back on the ground. It is suspected that a bird strike caused the vibrations.

JJ4779
The aircraft circled around the airport before returning to Recife. Screenshot: Flightradar24

LATAM then canceled the flight and posted this message on its website for JJ4779:

Due to an additional technical check-up to the aircraft to guarantee the safety of your trip, we have canceled your flight. Check your alternatives as a passenger and choose the one that best fits your needs. We apologize for the inconvenience.

There were no reported injuries as a result of this incident.

The aircraft

According to data from Planespotters, the 767 in this incident, PT-MSO, is just under 8-years-old. The aircraft features 30 flatbed seats in a 2-2-2 configuration in business class with 191 seats in economy. Economy class is in a comfortable 2-3-2 layout. This comes to a total of 221 passengers.

LATAM operates some of the newest Boeing 767s flying passengers. This aircraft type has had a venerable run across many airlines. Most, however, are starting to reach the end of their serviceable lifespan. LATAM's 767s will keep flying for some time.

LATAM Brasil

LATAM Brasil came about from TAM and LAN's merger. The merger between these two Latin American airlines created LATAM back in 2012. Now, LATAM Airlines Group is the largest airline in Latin America. Meanwhile, LATAM Brasil maintains a strong market share in international flights out of Brazil while GOL is now the largest domestic airline in Brazil.

LATAM Brasil does have other aircraft like the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350. These newer jets are operating premium international services. The 777s are undergoing a retrofit, however, with a more competitive product.

Other incidents of engine vibrations

Engine vibrations do occur. Depending on the severity, air crew do make the decision to divert. In March, a KLM CItyhopper E175 returned to Amsterdam after suffering engine vibrations. And, on a special flight to Paris, a Delta Boeing 777 suffered engine vibrations leading to a midflight diversion to Boston.

Flight crew are trained to handle issues like vibrations. Every situation is different and pilots have to take in multiple data points. At the end of the day, if pilots cannot continue the flight safely, they make the decision to divert– the motto "better safe than sorry" prevails.

Were you onboard this flight? What happened? Let us know in the comments!