What happened
During the climb out from runway 26L at approximately 200 feet, the pilot observed that the number 6 display unit on the instrument panel went blank. Simultaneously, the engine alert display indicated a generator off alert. While the first officer was requesting radar vectors from the Atlanta Tower, the aircraft experienced a complete electrical power failure, resulting in the loss of communications with the tower. Shortly after this failure, emergency electrical power was restored.
During the event, flight attendants notified the captain of smoke in the aft portion of the cabin area. Both the captain and first officer reported an electrical burning smell, prompting the crew to declare an emergency. The captain subsequently returned to the airport and performed an emergency landing on runway 9R, followed by an evacuation of the aircraft.
The investigation
An examination of the Power Conversion Distribution Unit was conducted following the incident. Investigators found that the tantalum capacitor and the permanent magnet generator input transformer had failed. This failed transformer was identified as the apparent source of the smoke observed in the cabin area.