Unauthorized use of newspapers to obstruct air conditioning duct in Embraer E195 cockpit

Casualties unknown • b.d. (ND), PL

An investigation into an Embraer E195 incident revealed that flight crews had used newspapers to block air vents, creating a potential safety hazard.

What happened

On November 30, 2015, maintenance personnel at Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) were notified by an operator regarding irregularities on an Embraint E195. Upon inspecting the aircraft, a mechanic discovered newspapers stuffed beneath the instrument glare shield. These newspapers had been wrapped around the duct supplying air to cool the cockpit displays (monitors).

Following the discovery, the mechanic removed the materials and performed a visual inspection of the cooling duct for the captain's monitors. Tests were conducted in accordance with the Embraer E195 Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), and no further technical irregularities were found. Investigation of the aircraft's technical logs (LDP-60) revealed no prior entries regarding system malfunctions or any maintenance actions taken to address the issue.

Probable cause

The incident was caused by flight crews unilaterally using newspapers to obstruct air conditioning vents to mitigate discomfort from cold air, an improvised measure that introduced a foreign object into the cockpit cooling system.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2015-11-30 Embraer E195 accident near b.d. (ND), PL?

An investigation into an Embraer E195 incident revealed that flight crews had used newspapers to block air vents, creating a potential safety hazard.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2015-11-30 involved a Embraer E195, at b.d. (ND), PL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The incident was caused by flight crews unilaterally using newspapers to obstruct air conditioning vents to mitigate discomfort from cold air, an improvised measure that introduced a foreign object into the cockpit cooling system.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2015-2513/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.

Loading the flight search…