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On May 12, a Lufthansa Airbus A340 experienced an engine failure while flying from New York to Frankfurt, prompting the aircraft to return to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The Aviation Herald reported that the crew requested a descent shortly after reaching cruising altitude due to the issue.
The flight, designated LH405, is a scheduled transatlantic service operated by a 27-year-old Airbus A340-313 registered as D-AIGN. The plane departed JFK at 21:52 and was cruising over the Atlantic at approximately 35,000 feet when engine number 2 on the left wing failed. The pilots issued a PAN-PAN call indicating a serious but non-life-threatening situation and requested to descend to FL290 while considering whether to divert to Boston or return to JFK. Flightradar24 data showed that the aircraft turned back toward JFK at around 22:58 after reaching an altitude of about 29,000 feet.
As part of standard procedure during its return, the aircraft dumped fuel over designated areas to reduce its weight below the maximum landing threshold. This step is crucial in preventing excess stress on landing gear and airframe upon touchdown.
