European safety regulators are warning that a large number of non-airworthy commercial aircraft engine parts could be offered on the open market after a consignment was stolen while en route for destruction.

Spanish authorities have advised that 12 containers of engine components—destined for mutilation to make them unusable—were “re-routed” in January after a third party “impersonated” the contracted mutilation service, says the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.

It states that the parts have been taken from engines including the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G, CFM International CFM56, International Aero Engines V2500, and Rolls-Royce RB211.

EASA has listed the serial numbers of nearly 630 components, including blades and disks, which have been declared non-airworthy.

Three of the 12 containers included critical or life-limited parts.

“While law enforcement agencies are investigating the case—and considering the scale and modus operandi of the theft—EASA is of the opinion that the parts may be offered for sale on the open market,” says the regulator.

It says the stolen parts and equipment must be considered “unapproved” and “not eligible for installation” on aircraft.

EASA is encouraging aircraft operators and maintenance organisations to inspect aircraft and check the part and serial numbers and to quarantine suspect components while contacting relevant authorities.

Source: Flight Global