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11/09/10

At CNN

 

Obama to cut short Indonesian trip due to volcanic ash

 

Jakarta, Indonesia (CNN) -- U.S. President Barack Obama is officially shortening his visit to Indonesia because of fears that volcanic ash spewing from Mount Merapi could have grounded Air Force One, according to administration officials.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs earlier told reporters aboard Air Force One that officials were closely monitoring the ash cloud and that forecasts show air traffic might again be disrupted. Experts say volcanic ash can wreak havoc on jet engines.

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The small particles of abrasive lava grit strike the high speed spinning blades of the jet engine with massive impact and cause miniature craters or ash-holes. Since Air Force One is already burdened with a big Ash-hole in the cabin, the cumulative effect of many small ash-holes in the turbine blades would be detrimental to safety-of-flight.