Factual Information
On 31 January 2006, at 17:05 UTC, the crew of a Raytheon Hawker 800XP (HS 125) with registration HB-VNJ was conducting a flight from Sliač Airport (LZSL) to Prague Ruzyně Airport (LKPR). During approach, the pilot-in-command (PIC) requested a priority landing on runway 24 from Prague Approach Control due to increased vibrations on the left engine. The aircraft landed on runway 24 and the pilot began taxiing to the requested stand "Sever." On taxiway L, the PIC shut down both engines and stopped the aircraft, citing a persistent unusual noise from the left engine. The stop on taxiway L was not pre-coordinated, and the taxiway was occupied for approximately 30 minutes. The crew then restarted the engines and continued taxiing to the designated parking position. No injuries occurred; the aircraft was not damaged. The PIC, a 41-year-old male, held a valid CPL with MEP/IR rating and a Class 1 medical certificate, with 8,070 total flight hours (2,103 on type). The first officer, a 24-year-old female, held a valid CPL with MEP/IR rating and a valid medical certificate, with 1,078 total flight hours. The aircraft, built in 2001, had a total time of 2,955 hours and 2,908 cycles. Fuel on landing was 1,170 liters. Weather conditions were clear, temperature -8°C, wind 230° at 6 knots.
Analysis
The crew possessed appropriate qualifications and medical fitness for the flight. The aircraft had a valid certificate of airworthiness and insurance. Weather conditions did not influence the incident. The priority landing was prompted by in-flight vibrations detected by the crew. A technical inspection carried out on 1 February 2006 by a maintenance organization identified the cause: a defective starter-generator (part number 230-005, serial number Y10445) on the left engine. No other defects were found.
Conclusions
The source of the unusual noise and vibrations from the left engine was a technical defect of the starter-generator (P/N 230-005). After replacement of the component, the aircraft was returned to service.
Safety Recommendations
No safety recommendations were deemed necessary.