No fatalities

Boeing 737-800 Flap Malfunction During Approach in Icing Conditions

Katowice Pyrzowice (EPKT), PL

On January 31, 2015, a Boeing 737-800 was involved in an aviation accident near Katowice Pyrzowice (EPKT), PL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The most probable cause of the malfunction was blockage of the flap extension system during approach due to severe icing of the aircraft. This summary draws on records from the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL)Primary reportUpdated 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards
Boeing 737-800
Photo: San Diego Air & Space Museum Archives / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

On 31 January 2015, a Boeing 737-800 experienced flap jamming at position 1 during landing configuration. The crew performed the Trailing Edge Flap Disagree checklist and landed with alternate flap extension at 15. Severe icing was found, and after de-icing, tests were normal. No injuries occurred.

Incident Overview

On 31 January 2015, a Boeing 737-800 operating a flight experienced a flap malfunction while configuring for landing at EFKT. The flaps jammed at position 1, prompting the crew to request holding clearance from air traffic control. The flight crew then executed the 'TRAILING EDGE FLAP DISAGREE' checklist.

Crew Actions

Following the checklist, the crew proceeded with an alternate flap extension method and configured the aircraft to land with flaps at position 15. After landing, the crew observed significant icing on the aircraft. The aircraft was subsequently de-iced, after which a full flap extension and retraction test was performed successfully.

Post-Flight Maintenance

On the return flight, after the aircraft reached its base, maintenance personnel conducted a test of the Flaps/Slats Electronic Unit (FSEU), which showed no system errors. Connectors in the flap extension and retraction system were cleaned. Additionally, the FSEU was replaced in accordance with AMM 27-51-01/401. A subsequent system test passed, and the aircraft was returned to service without restrictions. The fault did not recur on subsequent flights.

Occupants and Injuries

The aircraft carried 189 occupants. No injuries were reported.

Probable Cause

Investigation determined that the most probable cause of the flap malfunction was blockage of the flap extension system during approach due to severe aircraft icing.

All Boeing 737-800 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Jan 2015 Boeing 737-800 accident near Katowice Pyrzowice (EPKT), PL?

On 31 January 2015, a Boeing 737-800 experienced flap jamming at position 1 during landing configuration. The crew performed the Trailing Edge Flap Disagree checklist and landed with alternate flap extension at 15. Severe icing was found, and after de-icing, tests were normal. No injuries occurred.

Were there any fatalities in the 31 Jan 2015 Boeing 737-800 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Jan 2015 involved a Boeing 737-800, at Katowice Pyrzowice (EPKT), PL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The most probable cause of the malfunction was blockage of the flap extension system during approach due to severe icing of the aircraft.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2015-0135/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.