Casualties unknown

2019-10-08: BOEING, 737-85R (SP-ENQ) — Pilot samolotowy ATPL(A) — CTR lotniska LPMA, PL

CTR lotniska LPMA, PL

On October 8, 2019, a BOEING, 737-85R (registration SP-ENQ) operated by Pilot samolotowy ATPL(A) was involved in an aviation accident near CTR lotniska LPMA, PL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Damage to a clamp on a hydraulic line before the EMDP pump caused a hydraulic line to shift and chafe against the housing of the EMDP electrical connector. This summary draws on records from the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL)Primary reportUpdated 1785092869Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered SP-ENQ
Aircraft registered SP-ENQ. Photo: Hugo LUC / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A Boeing 737-800 experienced a Master Caution after takeoff due to hydraulic system B fluid loss. The crew followed procedures and continued to destination, landing safely. Investigation revealed a damaged clamp led to chafing of a hydraulic line.

Incident Sequence

On October 8, 2019, a Boeing 737-800 (registration SP-ENQ) operating from Funchal Airport (LPMA, Madeira) experienced a Master Caution warning shortly after takeoff while retracting the flaps. The flight crew examined the overhead panel and identified a Low Pressure light, along with a loss of hydraulic fluid in System B.

The crew initiated the Non-Normal Checklist for Loss of System B, followed by NITS and TDODAR analyses. After evaluating the situation, they decided to continue to the intended destination, Katowice-Pyrzowice Airport (EPKT). The landing was performed without further incident.

Investigation Findings

The Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation determined that the incident was caused by damage to a clamp securing a hydraulic line upstream of the Electric Motor Driven Pump (EMDP). This clamp failure allowed the hydraulic line to shift, resulting in chafing against the housing of the EMDP electrical connector. The exact time of clamp damage and duration of chafing could not be established.

No contributing factors were identified. The investigation did not assign any additional safety recommendations beyond those proposed by the operator.

Preventive Actions

In response to the incident, the operator issued a bulletin for maintenance organizations to inspect hydraulic flexible lines and their clamps. Additionally, pilots were advised to pay closer attention to the condition of hydraulic lines and clamps during Pre-Departure Control checks.

Probable cause

Damage to a clamp on a hydraulic line before the EMDP pump caused a hydraulic line to shift and chafe against the housing of the EMDP electrical connector.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2019-4630/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.