Aviation analysts say the sharp volcanic particles can damage a jet engine or cause it to shut down in mid air.

VOA: standard.2010.04.15

The rocket was intended to lift the satellite into an orbit 35, 696 kilometers above the earth, but during its final burn, the upper stage engine shut down four minutes early, and the satellite was released into too low of an orbit.

FORBES: Another Russian Rocket Misses The Target

The engine was shut down immediately, and the course of the rocket given a readjustment to compensate for the lost engine.

FORBES: SpaceX Rocket Loses An Engine; Mission Still Looking Good

In serious cases, he said, it can cause the engine to shut down.

CNN: Plane in Hudson River had engine type that drew FAA scrutiny