Smartwings B738 near Athens on Feb 27th 2026, temporary loss of right engine thrust

Last Update: April 29, 2026 / 15:56:12 GMT/Zulu time

Bookmark this article
Incident Facts

Date of incident
Feb 27, 2026

Classification
Incident

Airline
Smartwings

Flight number
QS-1240

Departure
Prague, Czech Republic

Destination
Hurghada, Egypt

Aircraft Registration
OK-TSF

Aircraft Type
Boeing 737-800

ICAO Type Designator
B738

A Smartwings Boeing 737-800, registration OK-TSF performing flight QS-1240 from Prague (Czech Republic) to Hurghada (Egypt), was enroute at FL370 near Athens (Greece) when the airspeed increased from Mach 0.77 to 0.81 in 16 seconds due to turbulence and wind shear. The speed was close to maximum but did not exceed the maximum, the crew reduced the engines to near idle thrust (N1 reduced from 92 to 48%), the airspeed decayed. When the crew returned the thrust levers to cruise settings, only engine #1 responded, however, N1 of the right engine dropped to 45%. The airspeed decayed further and the minimum maneouvering speed warning activated. The crew requested an immediate descent to FL250 and was cleared to FL250, the descent was flown manually, the stick shaker briefly activated. After the flight became stabilized again with IAS above minimum speed, the autopilot was re-engaged. During the descent the crew attempted to increase thrust on the right hand engine three times, however, the engine only briefly accelerated to 50% and returned to 45% N1. Descending through FL328 the crew worked the non-normal checklist and reset the right hand engine to idle and then attempted to gradually increase thrust, the engine restored to normal operation. The crew thus stopped the descent at FL310 and with both engines operating continued the flight to Hurghada for a landing without further incident.

Czechia's UZPLN reported maintenance inspected both engines with no faults found. The operator reviewed the data recorded by the engine manufacturer's monitoring system which indicated the engine could not accelerate to the required power, the cause however could not be identified from the data. As a preventive measure the fuel filters were replaced. The engine continues to be monitored according to Fault Isolation Manual procedures. The operator alerted its crews to the correct procedure for handling this situation.
Incident Facts

Date of incident
Feb 27, 2026

Classification
Incident

Airline
Smartwings

Flight number
QS-1240

Departure
Prague, Czech Republic

Destination
Hurghada, Egypt

Aircraft Registration
OK-TSF

Aircraft Type
Boeing 737-800

ICAO Type Designator
B738

This article is published under license from Avherald.com. © of text by Avherald.com.
Article source

You can read 2 more free articles without a subscription.

Subscribe now and continue reading without any limits!

Subscribe now
Are you a subscriber? Login
Subscribe

Read unlimited articles and receive our daily update briefing. Gain better insights into what is happening in commercial aviation safety.

Compare our plans

Send tip

Support AeroInside by sending a small tip amount.

Send tip

Related articles

Newest articles

Subscribe today

Are you researching aviation incidents? Get access to AeroInside Insights, unlimited read access and receive the daily newsletter.

Pick your plan and subscribe

Partner

ELITE Logo

ELITE Simulation Solutions is a leading global provider of Flight Simulation Training Devices, IFR training software as well as flight controls and related services. Find out more.

SafetyScan Pro

SafetyScan Pro provides streamlined access to thousands of aviation accident reports. Tailored for your safety management efforts. Book your demo today

AeroInside Blog
Popular aircraft
Airbus A320
Boeing 737-800
Boeing 737-800 MAX
Popular airlines
American Airlines
United
Delta
Air Canada
Lufthansa
British Airways