Incident
On 18 August 2015, licensed maintenance personnel began work to prepare a Boeing 737-400 (type B734) for an engine run test on engine No. 2. The test was intended to be a first-category run (EASA Form 1 Inspected/Tested) to rule out potential malfunctions. The airport operations duty officer was informed and assigned a suitable location for the test.
During the TAKEOFF POWER test, engine thrust was gradually increased. When thrust exceeded 90% N1, the ground personnel securing the test ordered an immediate shutdown. After the engine was shut down, it was discovered that a fragment of the pavement had detached. The fragment struck the right horizontal stabilizer, the leading edge, and the rear fuselage near the auxiliary power unit (APU).
Meteorological Conditions
Weather conditions that day had a moderate influence on the occurrence of the incident.
Cause
The cause of the incident was the inadequate condition of the pavement designated for the engine test.
Preventive Actions and Recommendations
No preventive actions were taken by the investigating entity. No safety recommendations were issued. No comments were provided by the commission.