Electrical short circuit causes engine start abort in PZL-110 Koliber

Casualties unknown • Piła (EPPI), PL

An electrical short circuit during engine start led to the cancellation of a training flight at Piła airport.

What happened

On August 5, 2016, at approximately 08:20 LMT, a crew consisting of an instructor and a student pilot prepared for a training flight at Piła airport (EPPI). The aircraft, a PZL-110 Koliber with registration SP-ARL, was undergoing engine start procedures on the Aeroklub Ziemi Pilskiej apron.

During the engine start sequence, the crew detected the smell of burning and observed smoke appearing within the cockpit. In response to these signs, the engine start procedure was immediately aborted, and the planned flight was cancelled.

The investigation

The investigation, conducted by the operator under the supervision of the PKBWL, focused on the source of the smoke and the resulting damage to the aircraft. The examination of the aircraft's systems revealed that the electrical installation had been compromised.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the incident was a short circuit within the aircraft's onboard electrical installation, the specific origin of which could not be determined.
  • The event resulted in damage to the aircraft's electrical system, necessitating repairs.
  • There were no injuries to the crew members.

Probable cause

An electrical short circuit within the aircraft's onboard wiring caused smoke and a burning smell during engine start.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2016-08-05 PZL-OKECIE, PZL-110 Koliber accident near Piła (EPPI), PL?

An electrical short circuit during engine start led to the cancellation of a training flight at Piła airport.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2016-08-05 involved a PZL-OKECIE, PZL-110 Koliber, operated by Pilot samolotowy z uprawnieniami instruktora, at Piła (EPPI), PL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An electrical short circuit within the aircraft's onboard wiring caused smoke and a burning smell during engine start.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2016-2540/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.

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