Commercial Fixed Wing
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Flight Crew Diverted; General Declared Emergency; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Weather
Upon entering holding at FL180 the L ENG ANTI ICE EICAS status message illuminated; in addition to the ANTI ICE status message. As a result of the status messages; flight into icing conditions was to be avoided. At the time; the aircraft was holding right above the cloud layer; but our airport was in the midst of a snowstorm and was reporting 3/4 -SN. The filed alternate; was also reporting SN and icing conditions were expected below FL180. The crew initiated a SATCOM phone call to Dispatch to review options. Shortly thereafter; Maintenance Control was added to the patch. After quickly ascertaining there was no in flight option to address the ANTI ICE issues and a quick review of available diversion stations; it was determined that the closest option available that was free of icing conditions. Due to the fuel state of the aircraft; both the Captain and Dispatch concurred that a declaration of an emergency and an immediate diversion was required.
As we descended through 16;000 FT engine anti-ice was commanded on; but the left anti-ice valve failed to open. We were in icing conditions and within a minute got an EICAS for left engine icing. Requested climb back up to 18;000 FT which put us in the clear. Ran the checklist and was unable to get the anti-ice valve to open. Since the weather was 1/2 miles and heavy snow and all nearby airports had weather; we had to decide on a plan fast. Fuel on board was 22.0 at that time. Coordinated with Dispatch and Maintenance Control and decided [to divert to] the closest airport with weather; but the initial burn was to be 14.0. We had no other options; so declared an emergency and headed immediately to the other airport. Crew worked incredibly well together for a successful outcome. No further issues. We landed with 11.7 of fuel remaining. Dispatch had coordinated our arrival; divert Station Manager was there to meet us; had an international gate for us and customs standing by. Kudos to all involved.
An Air Carrier Dispatcher and Captain describe the events surrounding a diversion due to left engine anti-ice failure with heavy snow falling at the destination airport.