What happened
On July 14, 2016, a Boeing 737-800 operated by Enter Air experienced difficulties during engine start procedures at Katowice-Pyrzowice Airport (EPKT). During the initial attempt to start engine number 2, the N2 rotation speed failed to reach the required minimum threshold of 20%. Following this failure, the crew executed the aborted engine start checklist.
The crew then attempted a cross-bleed start, utilizing engine number 1 to assist in the startup of engine number 2. However, during this second attempt, the engine parameters again failed to increase at the necessary rate. The crew subsequently aborted the start procedure once more, completing the appropriate checklists. The crew notified Air Traffic Control of the situation and taxied to the parking stand using the thrust from engine number 1.
The investigation
Following the incident, the captain reported the malfunction to the Maintenance Control Center (MCC) and recorded the event in the aircraft technical logs. Maintenance personnel conducted inspections and tests on the aircraft's propulsion system. The investigation established that the issue was localized to the engine's monitoring components.
Findings
- The primary cause of the failed engine starts was a mechanical failure of the high-pressure compressor inlet air temperature sensor on engine number 2.
- After the faulty sensor was replaced, successful test starts were performed, and the aircraft was returned to service without restrictions.