Fuel Filter Bypass Alert During Taxi at Warsaw Chopin Airport

Casualties unknown • Warszawa (EPWA), PL

A Boeing 737-800 experienced fuel filter bypass alerts and a master caution warning while taxiing for takeoff at Warsaw Chopin Airport.

What happened

On August 22, 2020, a Boeing 737-800, registration SP-ENL, was taxiing for takeoff at Warsaw Chopin Airport (EPWA) when the crew observed a "MASTER CAUTION FUEL" signal and a "FUEL FILTER BYPASS" alert pertaining to engine number 1.

Upon detecting these indications, the crew halted the aircraft on the taxiway and notified Air Traffic Control (TWR), requesting permission to return to the parking stand. While awaiting instructions, the crew attempted to perform the Non-Normal Checklist (NNC) for the fuel filter bypass. However, the crew found the procedures in the NNC to be inapplicable to the current situation, as the checklist instructions were designed for in-flight events rather than ground operations.

During the wait, the fuel filter bypass alert intermittently cleared and re-engaged after approximately 33 seconds. After receiving clearance from TWR, the aircraft taxied back to the stand. During this return taxi, the alert cleared once more. Upon arrival at the parking position, the aircraft was handed over to the operator's maintenance personnel for inspection.

Probable cause

The exact source of the fuel filter contamination that caused the master caution and bypass alert could not be established.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2020-08-22 BOEING 737-800 accident near Warszawa (EPWA), PL?

A Boeing 737-800 experienced fuel filter bypass alerts and a master caution warning while taxiing for takeoff at Warsaw Chopin Airport.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2020-08-22 involved a BOEING 737-800, registration SP-ENL, operated by Pilot samolotowy ATPL(A), at Warszawa (EPWA), PL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The exact source of the fuel filter contamination that caused the master caution and bypass alert could not be established.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2020-2521/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.

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