Boeing said one of the first revamped GE9X engines intended to power its 777X flight-test aircraft was damaged during a freight shipping accident last month.
While the incident isn’t expected to create a new delay for the 777X, it does add to a string of mishaps to confound Boeing’s newest model.
The damaged GE9X engine was among the first to be sent to Boeing with parts redesigned for greater durability.
The incident occurred last month during a hard landing while the turbofan was being ferried to Paine Field, adjacent to Boeing’s main wide-body factory in Everett, Washington.
Earlier this year, the company postponed the 777X’s initial flight after GE discovered wear issues for the compressor stator that affected about 18 engines.
Boeing spokesman Paul Bergman said in an email.
At this time, there does not appear to be any major damage. Boeing recently received reconfigured engines for the first flight airplane and remains on track for first flight in early 2020.
The GE9X is the world’s biggest engine, with an 11-foot front fan diameter, and the most powerful. It was recently clocked producing a record 134,300 pounds of thrust, according to GE.
