What happened
On June 3, 2015, an EMBRAER E175 operated by PLL LOT was performing a takeoff from runway 15 at Warsaw Chopin Airport (EPWA). As the aircraft accelerated to approximately 53 knots, the crew received an "AT FAIL" EICAS message and a MASTER CAUTION alert once the speed exceeded 58 knots. At approximately 80 knots, the first officer observed a loss of indications on the PFD II display.
In response to the instrument failure, the crew initiated a rejected takeoff procedure. The decision to abort was made at a speed of 117 knots, prior to reaching V1, with the aircraft reaching a maximum recorded speed of 123 knots. Following the procedure, the aircraft had 1,500 meters of remaining runway available. The aircraft exited the runway without incident and taxied to the parking stand.
The investigation
The investigation focused on determining the cause of the loss of airspeed indications on the second primary flight display. Investigators examined the condition of the aircraft's air data sensors and reviewed maintenance and ground handling procedures performed in the days preceding the event.
Findings
- The loss of airspeed indications on PFD II was caused by the contamination of Pitot tubes ADSP 2 and ADSP 4 on the right side of the fuselage by butterfly larvae.
- A contributing factor was the potential failure to install Pitot tube covers during maintenance or ground handling activities conducted in the days prior to the incident.