UPDATE: A serious incident involving an ATR 42-500 aircraft has just been reported, with an electrical failure occurring shortly after takeoff from Aberdeen Airport on August 27, 2022. The aircraft, carrying 25 passengers and 3 crew members, experienced a momentary deceleration and loss of power, raising urgent safety concerns.
Authorities from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) confirmed that the crew heard a troubling “clunk” as the aircraft climbed about 14 nautical miles northeast of Aberdeen at 10:10 AM. This alarming sound coincided with critical cockpit indicators going blank and the autopilot disengaging, prompting immediate reactions from the flight crew.
The AAIB’s investigation revealed that power was lost from the emergency electrical network for approximately three seconds during the flight. This dangerous failure was noted to have occurred again on the ground when landing lights were switched off, although no faults were found with the lights themselves.
“Given the potential seriousness of a repeat failure,” the AAIB stated, “were it to last for more than three seconds and occur at night or in poor weather conditions, the AAIB has made a safety recommendation to the aircraft manufacturer to continue investigating possible causes of the electrical failure.”
The investigation highlights the potential risk of simultaneous loss of both the commander’s and co-pilot’s primary flight displays. The AAIB is urging the aircraft manufacturer ATR to further probe these alarming electrical failures and develop necessary safety actions to address them.
Following the incident, the aircraft manufacturer implemented an urgent “airworthiness operator message” (AOM), requiring operators to perform a test on the affected 1PA contactors within 60 days and report feedback within 10 days after testing.
This incident raises critical safety questions for ATR 42-500 and ATR 72-500 aircraft, especially considering the implications for night flights or operations in poor weather conditions. With the safety of passengers and crew on the line, the aviation community is closely monitoring the situation.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of air travel. The AAIB’s recommendations may lead to significant changes in safety protocols and equipment checks for aircraft in operation.
Stay updated as more details emerge on this developing story, and share this urgent news to keep others informed about the safety of air travel.
