No fatalities

24 Feb 2010: DE HAVILLAND DHC6 300 — Manston, UK, United Kingdom

Manston, UK, United Kingdom

On 24 Feb 2010, a DE HAVILLAND DHC6 300 was involved in an aviation accident near Manston, UK, United Kingdom. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The fire was traced to the left generator reverse current relay, which had a different part number than those authorized for use on the DHC-6 series of aircraft. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

On February 24, 2010, a De Havilland DHC-6 300 Twin Otter (C-FAKB) on a ferry flight from Calgary to the Maldives experienced an electrical fire in the power distribution and generator control box. The crew isolated the electrical system and diverted to London Gatwick Airport. The fire was traced to an unauthorized left generator reverse current relay.

Incident Overview

On February 24, 2010, a De Havilland DHC-6 300 Twin Otter, registration C-FAKB, was conducting a ferry flight from Calgary, Canada, to the Maldives. During the flight, an electrical fire occurred in the power distribution and generator control box located in the roof of the passenger cabin. The crew promptly isolated the electrical systems and successfully diverted the aircraft to London Gatwick Airport.

Investigation Findings

Post-incident examination traced the source of the fire to the left generator reverse current relay. This relay was found to have a part number different from the relays authorized for use on the DHC-6 series of aircraft. The investigation is being conducted by the United Kingdom Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).

Aircraft and Operator Information

The aircraft involved was a De Havilland DHC-6 300 Twin Otter. The operator and other specific details were not disclosed in the available information. The ferry flight originated in Calgary, Canada, with the intended destination being the Maldives.

Probable cause

The fire was traced to the left generator reverse current relay, which had a different part number than those authorized for use on the DHC-6 series of aircraft.