What happened
On 29 August 2017, a Beech 200C Super King Air, registration G-NIAB, was conducting a commercial passenger flight departing from Belfast International Airport. Shortly after takeoff, the crew and passengers noticed a distinct odor in the cabin, described as being similar to a solvent.
In response to the smell, the pilot donned an oxygen mask and declared a PAN-PAN emergency. The flight was diverted back toward Belfast International Airport. During the approach and landing configuration, the pilot discovered that the flaps failed to deploy despite being selected. The aircraft subsequently completed a successful landing without the use of flaps.
The investigation
Following the incident, the aircraft was taxied to the apron and shut down for inspection. Investigators determined that the flap motor had burnt out, which had also caused the circuit breaker for the flap motor circuit to trip. The investigation established that the failure of this motor was the likely source of the chemical-like smell noted by those on board. While the specific reason for the motor's failure could not be determined, the maintenance provider noted that such failures are not infrequent for this aircraft model.
Findings
- The burnt out flap motor was the primary cause of the electrical failure and the resulting odor.
- The aircraft was able to land safely despite the loss of flap deployment capability.
- There were no injuries to the crew or the two passengers on board.