Casualties unknown

2020-04-29: ATR, ATR-72 (SP-SPA) — EYKA, PL

EYKA, PL

On April 29, 2020, an ATR, ATR-72 (registration SP-SPA) was involved in an aviation accident near EYKA, PL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Contamination of the electrical connector contacts of the TRQ sensor. This summary draws on records from the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL).

Sourcesthe Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL)Primary reportUpdated 1785092869Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered SP-SPA
Aircraft registered SP-SPA. Photo: Alec Wilson from Khon Kaen, Thailand / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

On 29 April 2020, an ATR 72 (SP-SPA) aborted takeoff at Kaunas due to no torque increase on the right engine. The cause was contamination of the TRQ sensor electrical connector contacts.

Incident Overview

On 29 April 2020, an ATR 72 aircraft, registered SP-SPA, was conducting a departure from Kaunas Airport (EYKA). During the takeoff roll, as the crew advanced the throttles, they observed that the torque (TORQUE) indication for the right engine failed to increase. In response, the flight crew decided to abort the takeoff.

Post-Event Actions

After the aircraft returned to the ramp, a mechanic performed troubleshooting. The mechanic reset a circuit breaker, cleaned the electrical connector of the TRQ (torque) sensor, and conducted a test of the torque indication system. The test showed normal torque readings, and the aircraft was subsequently cleared for flight.

Cause

The Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation determined that the probable cause of the incident was contamination of the electrical connector contacts on the TRQ sensor.

Safety Recommendations

No additional safety recommendations were formulated by the Commission. However, the investigating entity recommended that flying and technical personnel be informed of the circumstances and course of the incident.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2020-1140/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.