What happened
On August 28, 2024, an ATR-72-600, registration C6-BFW, was performing a scheduled flight from North Eleuthera International Airport to Nassau. The aircraft, operated by Bahamasair, was carrying 74 people, including 70 passengers and 4 crew members, under visual flight rules.
During the takeoff roll, before the aircraft reached its decision speed (V1), the flight crew experienced a sudden failure where all five cockpit display units went blank. This was immediately followed by the illumination of the Master Warning and Master Caution lights. In response to these indications, the pilot in command initiated an aborted takeoff at approximately 90 knots. The crew reduced power to flight idle, applied maximum reverse thrust, and utilized maximum braking to bring the aircraft to a halt.
The investigation
The preliminary investigation focused on the sequence of electrical or system failures that led to the loss of cockpit instrumentation. Following the stop, the crew noted that the five display units had returned to operation. Upon taxiing the aircraft back to the ramp, the crew identified a Brake Hot Caution light. Subsequent inspections of the aircraft revealed that the number 1 and 2 tires were deflated. There were no injuries reported to the passengers or crew.
Findings
- The takeoff was aborted due to a simultaneous failure of all five cockpit display units and the activation of warning lights.
- The aircraft sustained damage to the number 1 and 2 tires.
- A brake overheat condition was observed following the high-intensity braking required for the aborted takeoff.