Engine Surge Incident Involving Boeing 787-8 During Tokyo to Warsaw Flight

Casualties unknown • Na trasie RJAA - EPWA, PL

A Boeing 787-8 experienced an engine surge in engine number 2 while en route from Tokyo to Warsaw, resulting in an investigation by the PKBWL.

What happened

On January 16, 2020, at 02:12 UTC, a Boeing 787-8, registration SP-LRG, was operating a flight from Tokyo Narita (RJAA) to Warsaw Chopin (EPWA). During the flight, the Electronic Engine Control (EEC) display in the cockpit issued a message indicating that a surge had occurred in engine number 2. Following the cessation of the surge, the flight crew evaluated the situation and decided to continue the flight to the destination. The aircraft subsequently landed at Warsaw Chopin Airport without further incident.

The investigation

The Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL) reviewed the final report submitted by the aircraft operator. The investigation focused on the technical failure that triggered the engine surge warning during the long-haul flight.

Probable cause

The surge was caused by the development of looseness in a mechanical connection within the Variable Stator Vane (VSV) control system of the high-pressure compressor.

All Boeing 787-8 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2020-01-16 Boeing 787-8 accident near Na trasie RJAA - EPWA, PL?

A Boeing 787-8 experienced an engine surge in engine number 2 while en route from Tokyo to Warsaw, resulting in an investigation by the PKBWL.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2020-01-16 involved a Boeing 787-8, registration SP-LRG, operated by Pilot samolotowy CPL(A), at Na trasie RJAA - EPWA, PL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The surge was caused by the development of looseness in a mechanical connection within the Variable Stator Vane (VSV) control system of the high-pressure compressor.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2020-0163/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.

Loading the flight search…