The preliminary investigation into an incident involving Cathay Pacific Airways (OTCPK:CPCAY) operated Airbus (OTCPK:EADSF) A350 revealed a rupture in the fuel hose, said Hong Kong's aviation investigation authority on Thursday.

Hong Kong's investigators highlighted that it had recommended EASA to mandate Rolls-Royce to issue inspection instructions of the part.

Hong Kong's air safety authority said Thursday that a defect in an engine component of a Cathay Pacific Airways Airbus A350 that caused a fire, forcing a Zurich-bound flight to return to Hong Kong, could have caused ''extensive damage'' to the aircraft.

Hong Kong aviation investigators say an engine problem that caused Cathay Pacific to ground its entire fleet of Airbus A350 jets for inspection earlier this month could have escalated into “extensive damage.

A probe by Hong Kong's aviation authority found a ruptured fuel hose caused a mid-flight fire on a Cathay Pacific operated Airbus A350 plane this month. The aircraft was en-route to Zurich with 348 passengers and crew aboard when the fire was discovered,

A midair engine fire on a Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. flight earlier this month could have spread and caused widespread damage to the plane, a preliminary report said, as investigations continue into the incident and the failed components.

A preliminary report by Hong Kong's Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) said the incident was caused by a broken fuel hose - one of a number that had been damaged. Rolls-Royce and Cathay Pacific have been contacted for comment.