What happened
On March 5, 2022, a McDonnell Douglas MD-82, registration YV2923, was performing its takeoff roll when the flight crew observed abnormal readings on the cockpit instruments. The number one (left) engine failed to reach the required thrust of 1.91 EPR, instead registering only 1.64 EPR. This power deficiency was accompanied by an increase in oil pressure and temperature.
Due to the inability to achieve the necessary performance for takeoff, the pilot in command elected to abort the takeoff. The aircraft vacated runway 10 and returned to the terminal, where passengers were safely disembarked. There were no injuries and the aircraft sustained no damage during the incident.
The investigation
The JIAAC investigation involved a review of crew documentation, maintenance records, and component traceability. Investigators also conducted interviews with the flight crew and met with the operator's Safety Management System (SMS) and quality assurance management.
Technical inspections were performed on the number one engine to evaluate its condition. During this inspection, investigators discovered that the throttle push control cable had become dislodged from its position. Following the discovery, the throttle push control cable was reinstalled in accordance with the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM). A subsequent high-acceleration check was performed with satisfactory results.
Findings
- The primary cause of the engine power deficiency was that the throttle push control cable had slipped out of its position.
- The failure to maintain sufficient EPR prevented the aircraft from meeting takeoff performance requirements.