Severe damage can occur if ________ is ingested into an engine.

Severe damage can occur if volcanic ash is ingested into an engine because volcanic ash consists of tiny, abrasive particles that can erode engine components, particularly within turbine blades and other high-temperature areas. When such particles enter the engine, they not only cause physical wear and tear due to their abrasive nature but can also contribute to more serious operational issues, including compressor stalls or even total engine failure.

While birds and metal fragments can also cause significant damage to engines—birds due to their size and the impact they can have, and metal fragments from foreign object damage—the specific nature of volcanic ash and its pervasive effects in an operational environment make it especially hazardous. Jet fuel, on the other hand, is needed for engine operation and is not a harmful substance when ingested; rather, it is essential for the engine’s function. Thus, volcanic ash stands out as particularly damaging due to the unique physical properties it possesses.