Fuel Pump Malfunction During Engine Start at Poznań Airport

Casualties unknown • Poznań Ławica (EPPO), PL

A Boeing 737-400 operated by Enter Air experienced a low-pressure warning in the forward main fuel tank during engine start procedures at EPPO.

What happened

On August 24, 2016, a Boeing 737-400 operated by Enter Air was undergoing startup procedures at Poznań–Ławica Airport (EPPO). Following the aircraft's pushback from the parking stand and the subsequent engine start at approximately 03:09 UTC, the crew observed a 'LOW PRESSURE FWD FUEL MAIN TANK 2' warning light.

The flight crew attempted to rectify the issue by cycling the fuel pump servicing that specific tank several times. However, the low-pressure indication returned approximately 30 seconds after each attempt. Due to the persistent warning, the crew decided to return the aircraft to the parking stand. The captain recorded the event in the technical log and notified the operator's Maintenance Control Center (MCC).

The investigation

The investigation, conducted by the operator, focused on the cause of the fuel pressure discrepancy. Maintenance personnel inspected the aircraft and identified a malfunction within the fuel pump system. Following the inspection, the aircraft was cleared for flight under the provisions of the Minimum Equipment List (MEL) 2HM 28.1.1.2.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the incident was a malfunction of the fuel pump serving the number 2 forward main fuel tank.
  • The faulty pump was subsequently replaced during a scheduled handover inspection for the aircraft's lessor.

Probable cause

The incident was caused by a mechanical failure of the fuel pump in the number 2 forward main fuel tank.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2016-08-24 Boeing 737-400 accident near Poznań Ławica (EPPO), PL?

A Boeing 737-400 operated by Enter Air experienced a low-pressure warning in the forward main fuel tank during engine start procedures at EPPO.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2016-08-24 involved a Boeing 737-400, at Poznań Ławica (EPPO), PL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The incident was caused by a mechanical failure of the fuel pump in the number 2 forward main fuel tank.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2016-2566/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.

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