On Jan 28th, 2026, a Philippine Airlines Airbus A330-300 experienced a dramatic engine failure during takeoff preparations at Manila, prompting a rejected takeoff and grounding of the aircraft.
The aircraft, registered RP-C8781, was operating flight PR-684 from Manila (Philippines) to Doha (Qatar). Cleared for departure from runway 06, the crew had already released the brakes and was accelerating the engines when, just as takeoff thrust was reached, the right hand engine (Rolls-Royce Trent 772) failed. The failure was accompanied by visible streaks of flames from the engine.
Reacting promptly, the crew rejected the takeoff at low speed and brought the aircraft to a stop without further incident. The aircraft then returned to the apron, and no injuries were reported.
To minimize disruption, the airline dispatched a replacement Airbus A330-300, registered RP-C8789, which completed the flight to Doha with a delay of approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes.
The occurrence aircraft remains grounded in Manila about 72 hours after the rejected takeoff, as technical inspections and maintenance continue. The exact cause of the engine failure has not yet been publicly disclosed.
