Event Narrative
On 30 June 2024, a training flight for the Instrument Rating (IR(A)) was conducted using a Tecnam P2006T aircraft, registration SP-LFA, operated by Polska Akademia Lotnicza Sp. z o.o. The crew consisted of an instructor and a student pilot. The flight departed from EPPT airport, performed IFR procedures with an approach at EPMO, and began the return to EPPT.
At approximately 11:10 local time, while cruising at 3,000 feet AMSL, the left engine cylinder temperature (CT) exceeded 120°C. Following the Abnormal/Emergency Procedures from the Standard Operating Procedures, the crew shut down the left engine. At about 11:15, the Crew Alerting System indicated low coolant level. The crew executed the corresponding abnormal procedure. After assessing the situation, they declared PAN PAN to FIS Warszawa, confirmed their intention to continue to EPPT, and notified the airport information service at EPPT. The flight coordinator secured the airport and separated other traffic. The aircraft landed at EPPT at 11:47 without further consequences.
Findings
Examination after the incident revealed that the cooling system pump had a damaged seal on its shaft. The rubber sealing ring had worn out naturally, leading to a coolant leak. This leak caused the left engine cylinder temperature to rise above the normal operating range of 50–120°C.
Cause
The direct cause of the event was a coolant leak and loss of fluid from the cooling system, which resulted in elevated left engine cylinder temperature.
Contributing Factors
A contributing factor was the deterioration of the pump shaft seal due to natural wear of the rubber sealing ring, identified after the pump was disassembled.