What happened
On January 23, 2017, at approximately 19:40 UTC, a Boeing 73 and 800, registration OK-TVW, operating flight TVS7333 from Fuerteventura/Gran Canaria to Katowice (EPKT), declared a Mayday emergency. The crew reported difficulties with the aircraft's flaps and flight controls, necessitating a missed approach and a second attempt at landing.
Upon receiving the emergency declaration, Katowice Airport authorities activated emergency protocols. Local services were notified, and ground traffic on the maneuvering area was temporarily suspended to facilitate the emergency response. The crew requested approximately 10 minutes to perform necessary checklist items and address the technical issue. At the time of the declaration, the aircraft carried 193 passengers and 3.3 tons of fuel.
After establishing communication with Katowice Approach (APP EPKK), the crew was vectored for a left-hand pattern for Runway 27. The aircraft completed an ILS approach and landed safely at 19:55 UTC. Following the landing roll, the crew confirmed the aircraft was stable and capable of taxiing to the stand under the assistance of airport services.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation focused on the technical failure involving the flaps and flight control systems during the approach phase. The investigation reviewed the sequence of events from the initial emergency declaration through the landing and the subsequent resumption of airport operations.