If a jet plane is flying through air contaminated with volcanic ash , there is risk that ingested ash will cause erosion damage to the compressor blades , blockage of fuel nozzle air holes and blockage of the turbine cooling passages . Some of these effects may cause the engine to surge or flame-out during the flight . Re-lights are usually successful after flame-outs but with considerable loss of altitude . It was the case of British Airways Flight 9 which flew through volcanic dust at 37,000 ft. All 4 engines flamed out and re-light attempts were successful at about 13,000 ft
British Airways Flight 9
British Airways Flight 9
Airbreathing jet engine