Smoke from PFD Power Supply in Cirrus SR20 SE-LUH over Tysfjorden

Incident Overview and Aircraft Details On 14 August 2013, a Cirrus Design Corp. SR20 with registration SE-LUH, manufactured in 2004 and powered by a Continental IO-360-ES engine, was involved in a serious aviation incident over Tysfjorden in Nordland county, Norway. The aircraft was operated by Trafikflyghögskolan ved Lunds universitet in Sweden. The flight was a non-scheduled training flight with two students on board, one of whom was the pilot-in-command. ## Flight Progression and Emergency Response The flight originated from Bardufoss Airport (ENDU) and was planned as a round trip to Bodø Airport (ENBO). After passing Evenes and flying south over Tysfjorden at 5,000 feet, the crew observed a large red X on the Primary Flight Display (PFD). Shortly afterward, white smoke began to seep from the instrument panel. The crew declared a Mayday to Bodø control center and consulted the “Cabin fire in flight” checklist, shutting off all electrical power sources, including battery 1, battery 2, and the alternator. ## Decision-Making and Landing Uncertain whether the smoke originated from the engine compartment or the instrument panel, the crew also executed the “Engine fire in flight” checklist and stopped the engine after identifying a suitable 1,000-meter emergency landing site within gliding distance. After approximately 30 seconds, the smoke ceased entirely. The crew then restarted the engine and reactivated battery 1 to restore communication with Bodø control. They decided to divert to Evenes Airport (ENEV), where the fire and rescue service was placed on full alert. The aircraft landed without further issues on runway 35 at 13:11 local time. ## Investigation Findings and Safety Assessment Subsequent examination determined that the smoke originated from the power supply to the PFD, which had part number 700-00006-000 and serial number 22543264. The PFD was replaced, and the aircraft was returned to normal service. The Norwegian Transport Accident Investigation Authority (SHT) noted that the crew reacted quickly and correctly by declaring an emergency, cutting electrical power, and heading toward Evenes. The authority considered the decision to restart the engine and continue to the airport preferable, given the risks associated with an emergency landing over unpopulated terrain in a single-engine aircraft.