Hydraulic Pump Warning During Engine Start at Warsaw Chopin Airport

Casualties unknown • EPWA, PL

A hydraulic pump warning light triggered during engine start-up on a Bombardier DHC-8-400, leading to a maintenance inspection and component replacement.

What happened

On September 14, 2016, a Bombardier DHC-8-400 operated by PLL LOT SA was positioned at Warsaw Chopin Airport (EPWA) for departure. At approximately 15:00 UTC, during the engine start-up sequence at the parking stand, the crew observed a #3 HYD PUMP warning signal.

In accordance with standard operating procedures, the crew followed the relevant checklists and subsequently shut down the engines. The Maintenance Control Center (MCC) was notified of the technical discrepancy.

The investigation

Following the occurrence, maintenance personnel conducted a thorough inspection of the aircraft's systems. The investigation focused on the electrical components associated with the hydraulic system to identify the source of the warning light.

Findings

Technical inspections revealed that the warning was caused by a short circuit within the #3 HYD PUMP electrical relay. Maintenance crews replaced the faulty relay, after which the aircraft was returned to service and the scheduled flight was completed following a delay. An Air Safety Report (ASR) was filed regarding the incident.

Probable cause

A short circuit in the #3 HYD PUMP electrical relay caused the hydraulic pump warning light to illuminate during engine start-up.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2016-09-14 Bombardier DHC-8-400 accident near EPWA, PL?

A hydraulic pump warning light triggered during engine start-up on a Bombardier DHC-8-400, leading to a maintenance inspection and component replacement.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2016-09-14 involved a Bombardier DHC-8-400, at EPWA, PL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A short circuit in the #3 HYD PUMP electrical relay caused the hydraulic pump warning light to illuminate during engine start-up.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2016-2455/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.

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