What happened
On March 31, 1989, a Boeing 737-300, registration PH-HVK, operated by Transavia Holland, was conducting an engine test at Lisbon Airport. The aircraft had recently undergone a replacement of its right-hand engine in Lisbon. Following authorization from airport services, the crew proceeded to taxiway L 03 to perform the high-power engine run-up.
During the testing procedure, the force of the engine thrust caused the asphalt surface of the taxiway to disintegrate. Large chunks of asphalt were projected approximately 100 meters behind the right engine. The flying debris struck the aircraft, resulting in several dents and holes in the horizontal stabilizer, the elevator, and the rudder, as well as dents on the right side of the fuselage.
There were zero fatalities and no injuries reported during the incident.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation focused on the structural damage sustained by the aircraft and the conditions of the taxiway during the engine test. Investigators examined the sequence of events following the engine run-up and evaluated the stability of the pavement at the designated testing location.
Findings
The investigation established that the primary cause of the damage was the inadequacy of the selected location for performing engine tests. The pavement on taxiway L 03 was unable to withstand the thrust produced by the engine, leading to the fragmentation of the asphalt and the subsequent impact with the aircraft's control surfaces and fuselage.
Safety action
To prevent a recurrence of such incidents, the investigation recommended that Lisbon Airport be provided with a dedicated and appropriate area specifically designed for conducting engine ground tests.