Overview
A SmartLynx Airlines Malta Boeing 737-8 MAX, operating on behalf of TUI Airways, registration 9H-ETA, rejected takeoff at high speed from Dalaman Airport, Turkey, due to engine-related issues and airspeed indication discrepancies. The flight, scheduled as TOM-213 from Dalaman to Manchester, UK, was ultimately cancelled.
Key Details
• Aircraft:
• Type: Boeing 737-8 MAX
• Registration: 9H-ETA
• Operator: SmartLynx Airlines Malta on behalf of TUI Airways
• Flight Information:
• Flight Number: TOM-213
• Route: Dalaman (DLM) to Manchester (MAN)
• Date: June 9th, 2024
• Passengers: 189 on board
Sequence of Events
1. Initial Departure Attempt:
• The aircraft taxied for departure on June 8th, 2024, but returned to the stand due to a technical issue.
• The crew ran out of duty hours, and the flight was postponed to the following day.
2. Rejected Takeoff:
• On June 9th, 2024, the aircraft attempted to depart from Dalaman’s runway 19.
• During acceleration, a loud bang from the left engine (LEAP) was heard, and the takeoff was rejected at approximately 110 knots due to malfunction indications.
• The aircraft safely decelerated and returned to the apron.
3. Passenger Report:
• The captain announced an engine light malfunction, which led to the rejection.
• Passengers were accommodated in hotels for two nights as a replacement aircraft was arranged.
4. Replacement Flight:
• A replacement Boeing 737-800, registration G-TAWX, transported passengers to Manchester, arriving with a delay of approximately 40 hours.
5. Aircraft Maintenance:
• Maintenance observed Master Caution, autothrottle disengagement, takeoff speed deletion, and IAS disagree indications on both Primary Flight Displays (PFDs).
• After multiple engine restarts and pitot probe flushing, maintenance discovered an insect inside a pitot probe.
Maintenance Findings
• Initial Observations:
• Master Caution warnings, autothrottle disconnection, and airspeed discrepancies were noted.
• Both Engine Electronic Controls (EECs) switched to alternate mode.
• Root Cause:
• An insect inside the pitot probe feeding both the EEC and IAS systems caused erroneous airspeed indications and engine parameter malfunctions.
• The insect was partially burned during pitot heat activation but continued to obstruct readings intermittently.
• Corrective Actions:
• The pitot probes were flushed, and the insect was removed.
• Systems were tested and returned to service after successful runs.
Safety Implications
• Rejected Takeoff Procedures:
• The crew’s quick action ensured passenger and aircraft safety.
• High-speed rejected takeoffs pose significant risks, including brake overheating and tire deflation, but these were successfully managed.
• Pitot Probe Maintenance:
• The incident highlights the importance of thorough inspections for obstructions, especially in environments conducive to insect activity.
• Communication and Delays:
• The airline effectively managed the situation by accommodating passengers and coordinating a replacement flight.
Conclusion
This incident underscores the importance of rigorous pre-flight inspections, particularly for critical systems like pitot probes. While the insect obstruction was an unusual occurrence, its impact on flight safety was mitigated by the crew’s training and adherence to standard operating procedures.
The aircraft returned to service on June 11th, 2024, following successful repairs and testing.
Disclaimer
This report is based on information available as of January 17th, 2025. If you are the rightful owner of any associated media or details and wish for them to be removed, please contact takedown@cockpitking.com.
