What happened
On January 11, 2018, a Bombardier DHC-8-402 was performing a scheduled flight from Warsaw Chopin Airport (EPWA) to Katowice Airport (EPWR). Shortly after departing from runway 15, at approximately 19:14 UTC, the #2 AC generator warning light illuminated in the cockpit.
The crew attempted to rectify the issue by following the GENAC#2 checklist; however, the generator failed to become operational. Following consultation with the Operations Center, the crew decided to return to Warsaw Chopin Airport. The aircraft was vectored for approach and landed at EPWA without further incident. Following the landing, the aircraft was handed over to maintenance personnel, and an Air Safety Report (ASR) was filed.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the failure of the electrical generation system during the departure phase of the flight. The inquiry examined the operational responses of the crew and the mechanical state of the aircraft's electrical components.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the natural wear and tear of the alternating current generator.
- There were no injuries to the crew during the event.