What happened
On February 1, 2014, a Boeing 787-8 operated by PLL LOT was performing an ILS approach to runway 11L at Warsaw Chopin Airport (EPWA). During the approach, the flight crew observed both a SPOILERS alert and a NOSE WHEEL STEERING malfunction indication. In response to these indications, the crew executed the appropriate checklist and aborted the approach to runway 11L. The aircraft subsequently performed a landing on runway 15, which offered a more favorable wind direction of 140 degrees at 19 knots. During taxiing, the crew utilized differential braking to maintain directional control.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the operator, focused on the cause of the cockpit alerts and the subsequent technical state of the aircraft. Following the landing, the aircraft was handed over to the MAEL Monarch technical team for inspection. The maintenance check confirmed that the spoilers were functioning correctly with no faults found. However, the inspection revealed a deep crack on tire number 5, which was replaced. Additionally, the nose wheel steering system was inspected, resulting in the replacement and adjustment of the Landing Gear Steering (LWS) Line Replaceable Unit (LRU).
An analysis of the event was also conducted with the airline's 787 fleet pilots to determine the origin of the steering alert.