Incident Details
On 19 August 2011, an Embraer ERJ-170-200, registration SP-LID, operated by LOT Polish Airlines, was operating flights LO471 and LO472 between Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) and Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (EFHK). The next day, on 20 August 2011, LOT was notified that aircraft parts had been found at Helsinki-Vantaa. Investigation revealed these were damaged components from brake assembly number 3. The brake assembly was replaced in accordance with Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) task 32-79-11.
Investigation
The Polish State Commission for Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL) conducted the investigation. No formal investigation team was appointed; the operator performed the inquiry. The commission stated that it received no further data on the event and noted that the operator retains reports for a maximum of five years. Due to the lack of information, PKBWL closed the investigation without establishing a cause. No safety recommendations were issued.
Operational Context
At the time of the incident, LOT Polish Airlines was operating under the Improved Go/Around Procedure (IGAP), which was in effect from 15 April 2011 to 6 March 2012. This procedure involved higher approach and landing speeds. According to the operator, after IGAP was withdrawn via Operational Bulletin No. 02/2012, issues with brake assembly service life ceased. After March 2012, brake assembly damages became incidental.
The manufacturer of the brake assemblies, Meggitt (formerly ABSC), had not developed any modification to address the observed problems. Instead, service bulletins were issued recommending additional inspections. LOT implemented these recommendations for its ERJ 170 and ERJ 190 fleets, including periodic inspections every 600 flight hours and additions to line maintenance instructions.
Final Outcome
The investigation concluded on 27 October 2016. No cause was determined. The incident remains classified as an incident (not an accident). No injuries or fatalities were reported.