UPDATE: A serious incident involving an ATR 42-500 aircraft occurred shortly after takeoff from Aberdeen Airport at 10:10 AM on August 27, 2022. The flight, carrying 25 passengers and 3 crew members, suffered a significant electrical failure, leading to momentary deceleration in the air.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has confirmed that the aircraft experienced a loss of power from its emergency electrical network approximately three seconds after takeoff. This alarming failure not only occurred in the air but also manifested on the ground when the landing light switches were turned off. Investigators found no faults with the landing lights, intensifying concerns about the potential implications of such failures.
The AAIB noted, “Given the potential seriousness of a repeat failure, were it to last for more than three seconds and occur at night or in poor weather conditions, a safety recommendation has been made to the aircraft manufacturer to further investigate possible causes of this electrical failure.”
During the incident, the crew heard a “clunk” sound as various cockpit indicators went blank, the autopilot disengaged, and both air conditioning packs lost power. This sudden failure caused the crew to feel a momentary noticeable deceleration, with engine torque indications rolling back to zero. Reacting swiftly, the co-pilot turned the landing lights back on, restoring the cockpit displays and re-engaging the autopilot without further action needed.
Despite extensive testing and examinations, the AAIB has yet to determine the exact cause of the emergency electrical loss. Following the incident, the aircraft manufacturer published instructions for an operational test of the affected components, urging operators to complete this test within 60 days and report findings within 10 days.
The AAIB has also called for the manufacturer, ATR, to continue its investigation into electrical failures that lead to the loss of both the commander’s and co-pilot’s primary flight displays on ATR 42-500 and 72-500 aircraft. This urgent safety action underscores the critical need for improvements in aircraft reliability.
Passengers aboard the flight expressed relief that the situation was managed without further incident. The airline has assured the public that safety remains its top priority and is fully cooperating with ongoing investigations.
As authorities continue to probe the causes behind this electrical failure, the aviation community watches closely. The recommendations and actions taken following this incident may shape future safety protocols within the industry.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
