Summary
The number 3 engine began vibrating on climb through FL340. The vibration could be felt through the airframe. The N1 was reducing and fluctuating, and the fuel flow was reducing. The engine was shut down and the aircraft returned to Sydney.
Maintenance checks found water in the engine fuel control unit. When this was drained the engine operated satisfactorily. The source of the water could not be determined.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 199203428 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 18/12/1992 |
| Location | Sydney |
| State | New South Wales |
| Report release date | 26/05/1993 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Abnormal engine indications, Diversion/return, Engine failure or malfunction, Fuel contamination |
| Occurrence class | Incident |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | The Boeing Company |
|---|---|
| Model | 727-77 |
| Registration | VH-TBS |
| Sector | Jet |
| Operation type | Air Transport High Capacity |
| Departure point | Sydney NSW |
| Destination | Hobart TAS |
| Damage | Nil |