On Monday, passengers aboard a charter flight just departing Havana for Florida experienced a frightening ordeal when an engine malfunction on a World Atlantic aircraft necessitated an immediate emergency landing. A Cuban passenger, who was filming the plane's takeoff, inadvertently captured the incident on video.
Amid the excitement of leaving the island, the traveler noticed something was amiss. Quickly, the voice of a flight attendant was heard instructing everyone to remain seated with their seatbelts fastened. In a subsequent recording, the Cuban passenger explained the gravity of the situation, stating, "The plane almost went down."
She narrated, "Look at that, the engine exploded," while showing the extensive emergency response at the airport. Her companion added, "Look how they were waiting for us on the ground, ambulance, firefighters…" from the bus transporting them back to the terminal. The video has rapidly gone viral, yet no official statements have been made by the Cuban government or Civil Aviation authorities regarding the incident.
The Facebook group "Amantes de la Aviación Cubana" has provided some insights into the event. The group administrator posted alongside the video, "Engine failure during the takeoff of a World Atlantic MD-83 N802WA from Havana on March 31, 2025. Havana-Tampa flight."
Rafael Lahera Atencio, in another post on the same group, clarified, "This was true. It didn't 'explode,' it might have been a bird strike or 'pompaje.' Let's wait for the investigation's outcome."
In aviation terms, "pompaje" (known in English as engine surge or compressor stall) refers to an abnormal phenomenon in jet engines, specifically within the engine's compressor. It involves a sudden disruption of airflow through the compressor, resulting in partial or complete thrust loss, and potentially damaging the engine if not controlled. Instead of flowing smoothly into the combustion chamber, the air reverses direction due to a pressure imbalance, moving back toward the engine's front.
Several commenters on the post expressed relief that, despite the scare, no serious harm occurred.
Understanding Engine Malfunctions in Aviation
What is 'pompaje' in aviation?
'Pompaje' is the Spanish term for engine surge or compressor stall, a sudden disruption in the airflow through a jet engine's compressor that can lead to thrust loss and potential engine damage.
How do airlines handle in-flight engine failures?
Airlines follow strict protocols for in-flight engine failures, including emergency landing procedures and notifying ground emergency services for assistance upon landing.
What should passengers do during an in-flight emergency?
Passengers should remain calm, follow crew instructions, stay seated with seatbelts fastened, and be prepared for an emergency landing.