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As the pilots quickly assessed the situation, they identified that the inboard engine had surged, a phenomenon where airflow through the engine is disrupted, causing backfiring and rising exhaust gas temperatures. Although the surge was alarming, it wasn't classified as an emergency since the Boeing 747's four-engine configuration allows a safe flight with three functioning engines.
The captain declared a "pan pan" situation to air traffic control—an urgent alert indicating assistance was required but signaling no immediate threat to life. The pilots maneuvered the aircraft to stabilize its flight at 5,000 feet and began troubleshooting the engine issue.