What happened
On August 11, 2016, at 08:40 UTC, an Airbus A3/20-232, registration SP-HAD, operated by Small Planet Airlines, was taxiing for departure from Katowice Airport (EPKT) on flight LLP8339, bound for Burgas (LBBG). During the taxi phase, the crew observed an ECAM alert indicating a malfunction in the engine anti-ice valve. Due to this technical issue, the crew decided to abort the departure and return the aircraft to the parking stand.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the technical failure of the anti-ice system and the subsequent operational decisions. Maintenance personnel were called to the aircraft to assess the fault. Following the inspection, the technicians performed a deferral of the malfunction in accordance with the operator's Minimum Equipment List (MEL). The crew then proceeded with flight operations following the Airbus A320 Flight Crew Operating Manual (FCOM) procedures, which mandate avoiding flights in conditions where engine icing is anticipated when the anti-ice system is deferred.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a malfunction of the engine anti-ice valve.
- The specific reason for the valve failure remained undetermined.