2nd 787 returns to Everett to clear debris in fuel tank

The 2nd Dreamliner to ever take the skies (ZA002) flew back to Everett yesterday after debris was discovered inside its fuel tanks.  Flight testing for this aircraft cannot resume until the tanks are cleared of the foreign particulate matter.  This return flight to Everett is only the aircraft's 2nd flight since its inaugural first flight on Dec. 22nd.  In contrast, the 1st Dreamliner (ZA001) has been performing continuous around-the-clock flight testing.  This is not the only hiccup that has affected ZA002.  During its first flight, the support strut for the landing gear did not deploy properly, so the aircraft had to land with the landing gear doors wide open.  But neither the fuel tank debris or the landing gear issue was the reason why ZA002 has remained on the ground.  Rather, the plan was to intentionally keep the aircraft grounded so it can undergo ground tests as well as have new instrumentation installed.

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