2009-09 · NASA ASRS report 853319
MD80 flight crew experienced EPR roll back passing FL320 during climb in icing conditions. Engine recovered almost immediately; crew descended to FL300 and continued to destination.
We were deviating from weather system that stretched from SZM to the north and west. Center had cleared us easterly deviations as needed then direct JAN when able. While level at FL300 and nothing painting in radar we encountered turbulence that was moderate in nature. We were IMC including rime icing. All anti-ice systems were on. After our second encounter with turbulence in a short span of time we elected to climb as it appeared we were close to the tops of the weather. During these events both radios were very intermittent with extreme static that forced us to put same frequency on both radios and use whichever radio seemed to work best. Center cleared us to climb to FL340. We weighed 129;000 LBS and consulted ALT CAP chart which showed us in the engine envelope. Center gave us 3 minutes to climb the 4000 FT which we felt we could comply with. First Officer started climb in IAS/MACH at .75. Speed remained constant in climb but VVI fluctuated. At 2 minutes into climb with 2000 FT to go; I felt engine vibrations and observed left EPR roll back to approximately 1.2. We stopped the climb and even though the radios (both) were still almost unreadable. I coordinated with Center to go back to FL300. Almost as fast as we did this the engine recovered and appeared to be running normally. In consulting the QRH; I noted that we had already complied with section of checklist that states 'if condition clears.' After we were certain engine was running normally we elected to continue. Upon arrival; there seemed to be some confusion with our situation with the first mechanic we spoke with. There was no doubt in my mind I was not going to fly the aircraft until a thorough inspection of the left engine was accomplished so I refused the aircraft to enable us to get our passengers on to their destination.
I was pilot flying. While climbing to FL340; the Captain felt a vibration and we noticed the left engine EPR gauge was rolling back. It bottomed at 1.2 and began to immediately climb back up to normal indications. I did not notice any other abnormal engine indications. I was climbing at .75 Mach with all anti-ice systems operating. We were in IMC with associated icing and light/moderate turbulence. We then requested a descent back down to FL300. After leveling off all indications were normal and we continued to destination.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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