Flight CA403 fire caused by mechanical engine failure: Air China

(ECNS) -- Air China stated on Monday that the fire involving flight CA403 during the landing at Singapore Changi Airport was caused by mechanical engine failure.

The flight from Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province, to Singapore, experienced a fire in its engine during landing on Sunday.

Crews and passengers were evacuated from the emergency slides. Later, the airport reported that 9 passengers had sustained minor injuries due to inhaling smoke and minor abrasions during the evacuation process.

Ms. Cai, a passenger on the flight, told Jimu News that about ten minutes before landing, some occupants had noticed smoke in the cabin, which gradually grew thicker.

"It was quite scary at the time. While I covered my mouth and nose with one hand, my other hand was writing a farewell letter on my phone. I didn't know if I could send it out, but I wrote it first."

According to Air China, flight CA403 was operated with an A320neo aircraft with the registration number B-305J. Of the total 146 passengers and 9 crew members on board, all were brought to safety.

Further investigation is currently underway, Air China said.