Engine Oil Temperature Indication Error During Flight Test

Casualties unknown • Szymany (EPSY), PL

An engine oil temperature reading exceeded maximum limits during a flight test approach at Szymany, leading to a single-engine landing.

What happened

On July 31, 2020, a Tecnam P2006T aircraft, registration SP-SPO, was conducting a flight test for Instrument Rating (IR(A)) certification. The flight originated from EPBC with a planned route of EPBC – EPSY – EPBC.

During the approach to landing at Szymany (EPSY), the pilot observed that the oil temperature on the left engine had exceeded the maximum allowable limit. In response to this indication, the examiner decided to shut down the left engine. The crew notified the Szymany Tower of the intention to land on a single engine. The landing was completed successfully without further incident.

The investigation

Following the event, technical personnel performed an inspection of the aircraft. The investigation focused on the cause of the high temperature reading. During the inspection, technicians discovered that the contacts of the oil temperature sensor connector were contaminated.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the event was contamination of the oil temperature sensor connector contacts.

After cleaning the contacts and securing the electrical wiring, a ground engine run was performed. The engine parameters were found to be within normal operating limits, and the aircraft was subsequently cleared for flight.

Probable cause

Contamination of the electrical contacts on the oil temperature sensor connector caused an erroneous high-temperature reading.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2020-07-31 Tecnam P2006T accident near Szymany (EPSY), PL?

An engine oil temperature reading exceeded maximum limits during a flight test approach at Szymany, leading to a single-engine landing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2020-07-31 involved a Tecnam P2006T, registration SP-SPO, operated by Pilot samolotowy liniowy ATPL, at Szymany (EPSY), PL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Contamination of the electrical contacts on the oil temperature sensor connector caused an erroneous high-temperature reading.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2020-2117/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.

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