General
On 16 November 2021, at 15:25 UTC, a serious incident occurred involving aircraft OY-JRY, an ATR 42-300, during a scheduled Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flight from Karup (EKKA) to Copenhagen, Kastrup (EKCH). The aircraft was equipped with two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW121 engines. The Danish Accident Investigation Board (AIB) was notified at 15:37 UTC and subsequently notified relevant international authorities.
History of the Flight
Approximately ten seconds after takeoff, the flight crew detected an electrical smell in the cockpit. Within a few seconds, smoke appeared from below the glare shield. The intensity of the smoke was distinct but not intense. After approximately five seconds, the flight crew observed no further smoke entering the cockpit. The crew donned their oxygen masks and performed applicable checklist memory items. They decided to return to Karup, declared an emergency to Air Traffic Control, and prepared the aircraft for landing. No further abnormalities were observed during the remainder of the flight. The serious incident occurred in twilight and under Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC).
Injuries and Damage
No injuries were reported among the three crew members and 35 passengers. Aircraft damage was classified as minor.
Post-Landing Inspection
After landing, the aircraft stopped on a taxiway. Airport Fire and Rescue Services inspected the cockpit using a thermal camera, which gave no rise to remarks. The operator’s maintenance staff then performed the “Smoke and burning smell” trouble shooting inspection in accordance with the manufacturer’s procedure TSM A-26-XX-XX-00001-421A-A. The inspection revealed a popped circuit breaker for the no. 2 Very High Frequency (VHF) communication radio and burned electrical wires connecting the no. 2 VHF communication radio.
AIB Safety Investigation Process
The AIB conducted a preliminary safety investigation and decided, in accordance with article 5 of EC Regulation No. 996/2010 and § 138 of the Danish Air Navigation Act, not to conduct any further safety investigations. This statement closes the AIB safety investigation per article 16 of EC Regulation No. 996/2010 and § 143 of the Danish Air Navigation Act.