Incident Overview
• Date: January 10th, 2025
• Aircraft: Avions de Transport Regional ATR-72-212A
• Registration: G-ISLM
• Flight Number: SI-208
• Route: Guernsey, CI (UK) to Jersey, CI (UK)
• Injuries: None
• Classification: Serious Incident
• Investigation: Ongoing by British AAIB
Summary of Events
Blue Islands flight SI-208, operated by an ATR-72-212A, experienced a loss of most electrical circuits and major instruments during takeoff from Guernsey Airport. The transponder ceased transmitting at approximately 90 knots ground speed. Despite the electrical failure, the crew safely returned the aircraft to Guernsey using standby instruments. The aircraft remains grounded for investigation, seven days after the incident.
Sequence of Events
1. Takeoff Roll:
• The transponder ceased transmitting when the aircraft reached approximately 90 knots during takeoff acceleration.
• The crew continued the takeoff as the aircraft was already committed to the roll.
2. Electrical System Failure:
• Shortly after becoming airborne, the aircraft lost most electrical circuits and all major instruments.
• The failure impacted critical systems, requiring reliance on standby instruments for situational awareness and navigation.
3. Return to Guernsey:
• The flight crew assessed the situation and elected to return to Guernsey Airport.
• Using standby instruments, the aircraft landed safely without further incident.
Investigation Status
The British Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has classified the occurrence as a serious incident and is conducting a detailed investigation. Key areas of focus include:
• Root Cause Analysis:
• Investigating the failure of electrical systems and their impact on the aircraft’s operations.
• Assessing potential issues with power distribution systems or circuit breaker operations.
• Aircraft History:
• Reviewing the aircraft’s maintenance records for prior indications of electrical issues.
• Crew Response:
• Evaluating the effectiveness of the crew’s handling of the electrical failure and their reliance on standby instruments.
Key Safety Considerations
1. Electrical System Reliability:
• Ensure robust redundancy in power distribution to prevent total electrical failure.
• Regular testing and validation of emergency electrical systems during maintenance cycles.
2. Crew Training:
• Reinforce training for operations in scenarios involving loss of electrical systems and reliance on standby instruments.
3. Maintenance Protocols:
• Review and enhance maintenance protocols for electrical and avionics systems, especially for older aircraft.
Conclusion
This serious incident highlights the critical importance of electrical system reliability and the effectiveness of flight crew training in managing unexpected failures. The ongoing investigation by the AAIB will provide further insights and recommendations to enhance safety for ATR-72 operations.
Disclaimer
This report is based on publicly available information as of January 17th, 2025. If you are the rightful owner of any associated content and wish it to be removed, contact takedown@cockpitking.com.
