Incident Overview
On 30 September 2016, the crew of an EMS (air transport team) aircraft, a Piaggio P180 Avanti I registered SP-MXH, was preparing for duty at Warsaw Okęcie Airport (EPWA). During the preflight check, after connecting external power, the caution panel displayed a warning "L F/W V INTRAN," indicating that the fuel valve controlling fuel supply to the left engine was stuck in an intermediate (transit) position. Multiple attempts by the pilot to cycle the left fuel valve switch from OPEN to CLOSE did not clear the caution.
Maintenance Action
Technical personnel followed the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) procedure 28-21-00 and replaced the jammed valve with a new unit, serial number 1139. After performing a successful test of the fuel system's correct operation, the aircraft was returned to service.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the malfunction was mechanical jamming of the valve gate in an intermediate position due to operational wear.
Safety Actions
The investigating entity (the operator) briefed the technical and operational staff of the department on the incident. No safety recommendations were issued by the commission.