An Allegiant McDonnell Douglas MD-88, registration N403NV performing flight G4-891 from Fort Wayne,IN to Saint Petersburg,FL (USA) with 153 passengers and 6 crew, was accelerating for takeoff from Fort Wayne’s runway 14 when a loud thud was heard from the right hand engine (JT8D). The crew rejected takeoff at high speed, slowed the aircraft safely and after inspection by emergency services returned to the apron.
A replacement MD-88 registration N404NV reached Saint Petersburg with a delay of 7.5 hours.
A passenger reported a loud thud was heard about half way down the runway almost immediately followed by the brakes coming on and a brief appearance of smoke in the cabin.
The airline reported a mechanical issue and reports of smoke in the cabin.
The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground about 25 hours after rejecting takeoff.
The Aviation Herald
Allegiant MD-88 has engine failure on Take-Off roll
