On 21 Dec 2009, a BOMBARDIER DHC-8 402 operated by FlyBe Ltd was involved in an aviation accident near London, United Kingdom. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of AC electrical power was caused by heat damage to a wiring loom in the left center wing area and the shearing of the left generator drive shaft. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 experienced a loss of AC electrical power during its departure from London Gatwick Airport on December 21, 2009.
What happened
On December 21, 2009, a Bombardier DHC-8-402, registration G-JEDI, experienced a loss of AC electrical power shortly after departing from London Gatwick Airport. Following the loss of power, the crew performed a return to London Gatwick Airport, where the aircraft completed an uneventful landing.
The investigation
Post-flight maintenance inspections identified specific mechanical failures contributing to the electrical issue. Investigators found heat damage affecting a wiring loom located in the left center wing area. Additionally, the inspection revealed that the left generator drive shaft had sheared.
Probable cause
The loss of AC electrical power was caused by heat damage to a wiring loom in the left center wing area and the shearing of the left generator drive shaft.
Contributing factors
AC generation system — Failure
Related events
Same aircraft family
5 Jan 2026 — Bombardier DHC-8-402Q Dash 8 (Porter Airlines)