EXPLAINER: Why a plane’s engine exploded over Denver

The investigation into an engine explosion on a jetliner taking off from Denver is focusing on a fan blade that appeared to be weakened by wear and tear, a development reminiscent of a fatal failure onboard another plane in 2018. These and other recent engine failures raise questions over long-held assumptions about how long fan blades last and whether they are being inspected often enough.The investigation into an engine explosion on a jetliner taking off from Denver is focusing on a fan blade that appeared to be weakened by wear and tear, a development reminiscent of a fatal failure onboard another plane in 2018. These and other recent engine failures raise questions over long-held assumptions about how long fan blades last and whether they are being inspected often enough.