The possible existence of departures from LTE affecting the abundance analyses of halo dwarfs and subgiants is analysed from the observational point of view, and illustrated by the case of the intermediate halo subgiant HD 76932. High resolution and high S/N Reticon and CCD spectra have been obtained with the ESO Coude Echelle Spectrometer. A detailed model atmosphere analysis has been carried out, which reveals a number of inconsistencies. In particular, the iron abundance derived from the neutral lines shows a very clear excitation potential dependence. Similar effects appear for oxygen and calcium and, possibly, for magnesium, chromium and ionized iron. Some overionization also seems to be present in a number of elements. The impact of these effects on the derived abundances may be rather large (some 0.2 to 0.6 dex). In particular, doubts might be raised about the reality of the oxygen overabundance and the odd-even effect in Na, Mg and Al.