Date: December 12, 2024
Location: Moncton, NB to Halifax, NS, Canada
Aircraft: Boeing 757-200, registration C-FMHA
Operator: Morningstar Air Express
Flight Number: MAL-7054
Route: Moncton (CYQM) to Halifax (CYHZ)
Occupants: Unknown
Injuries: None reported
Summary of Events
On December 12, 2024, Morningstar Air Express Flight MAL-7054, a Boeing 757-200 freighter, experienced multiple electrical failure indications shortly after takeoff from Moncton, New Brunswick. During the initial climb, the crew declared a PAN PAN due to a series of alerts affecting critical systems, including airspeed and vertical speed indicators, engine control systems, and radio communications.
The crew climbed to 15,000 feet while managing the failures using the Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) and proceeded to Halifax, Nova Scotia. The aircraft landed safely on Halifax’s runway 23 approximately 27 minutes after departure. Maintenance teams later discovered water intrusion in the electrical bay, which was determined to be the root cause of the anomalies.
Aircraft Details
• Type: Boeing 757-200 Freighter
• Registration: C-FMHA
• Operator: Morningstar Air Express
• Engines: 2x Rolls-Royce RB211
Sequence of Events
1. Departure from Moncton:
• The aircraft departed Moncton’s runway 29 and began its climb to cruise altitude.
• Shortly after rotation, the crew received multiple electrical failure indications.
2. Failure Indications:
• Alerts included:
• Loss of airspeed and vertical speed indications.
• Engine EEC (Electronic Engine Control) alerts for both engines.
• EICAS (Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System) warnings for Mach/Trim and radio systems.
• The crew declared a PAN PAN with ATC and initiated emergency procedures.
3. Diversion to Halifax:
• The crew managed the situation following QRH procedures and maintained control of the aircraft.
• Additional failures occurred enroute to Halifax.
• The aircraft landed safely on runway 23 at Halifax 27 minutes after departure.
4. Maintenance Findings:
• Upon inspection, maintenance crews discovered water intrusion in the electrical bay located under the main cargo door.
• After removing the water and verifying system functionality, the aircraft was returned to service within 2.5 hours.
Initial Findings
1. Water Intrusion:
• The presence of water in the electrical bay was the root cause of the multiple failure indications.
2. Impact on Systems:
• Water intrusion caused disruptions in several critical systems, including flight instruments, engine management, and communication systems.
Safety Risks Identified
1. Electrical System Vulnerabilities:
• Water intrusion in critical areas poses a significant risk to system reliability and safety.
2. Crew Workload:
• Managing multiple system failures during flight increases pilot workload and demands strict adherence to emergency procedures.
3. Potential Escalation:
• Left unaddressed, electrical failures could lead to more severe operational challenges or loss of control.
Recommendations
1. Inspection and Maintenance Protocols:
• Enhance regular inspections to identify potential water ingress points, especially in high-risk areas like the electrical bay.
2. Sealing Improvements:
• Review and improve sealing measures around the electrical bay and cargo door to prevent water intrusion.
3. Crew Training:
• Provide additional training for managing simultaneous system failures and ensuring effective communication during emergencies.
4. Incident Reporting and Analysis:
• Encourage detailed reporting and analysis of similar incidents to identify systemic vulnerabilities and improve operational safety.
Safety Lessons
This incident underscores the importance of proactive maintenance practices to prevent environmental damage to critical systems. The crew’s effective use of QRH procedures and adherence to emergency protocols were instrumental in ensuring a safe outcome. Regular inspections and enhanced sealing of vulnerable areas are essential to mitigate similar risks in the future.
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Our investigation reports are based on all the evidence and facts we have at the time of writing and posting. We apologise if any details are missed or are not fully accurate.
