What happened
On January 6, 2017, a Boeing 737-800, registration OK-TSH, departed from Warsaw Chopin Airport (EPWA) at 12:22 UTC, operating flight TVP7632 bound for Las Palmas/Gran Canaria (GCLP). Approximately sixteen minutes into the flight, at 12:38 UTC, the flight crew reported experiencing engine vibrations. Following this discovery, the crew decided to return to the departure airport. No emergency was declared during this process.
To ensure the aircraft's weight was within the permissible limits for landing, the crew entered a holding pattern between 12:49 and 13:30 UTC to burn off excess fuel, as coordinated with Warsaw Tower. The aircraft landed safely at 13:44 UTC and taxied to stand number 94. Following the landing, a level 1 alarm was issued for the runway and taxiway systems (TBRM and TBRS).
The investigation
The investigation focused on the source of the mechanical disturbance experienced during the climb/cruise phase. Authorities inspected the runway and the taxiway leading to stand 94, finding no issues or obstructions.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was engine vibrations of an undetermined cause.
- No contributing circumstances or aggravating factors were identified during the investigation.