What happened
On 30 December 2005, a BAe 1s25-800B, registration G-OLDD, was conducting a training flight when it experienced an in-flight emergency. While performing an ILS approach to runway 24 at Southend Airport, the crew heard a loud bang originating from the left side of the cockpit. This was immediately followed by the appearance of sparks and smoke emerging from the left pilot's footwell.
In response to the smoke, the pilots transmitted a distress message and donned their oxygen masks. The crew executed emergency procedures from memory. The smoke dissipated within approximately 30 seconds, and the aircraft continued its approach. The landing was completed successfully, and by the end of the landing roll, all aircraft systems were functioning normally. The aircraft was subsequently shut down with fire crews present on the airfield.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft to identify the source of the smoke and sparks. The inspection focused on the area of the P1 screen heat filter. The examination uncovered an area of burnt wiring and identified that chafing had occurred near connections B1, B2, and B3.
Following the incident, remedial work was performed, which included replacing the damaged wiring and inspecting the routing to ensure the issue would not recur. Additionally, the P2 windscreen and its heating system were inspected and found to be in satisfactory condition. There was no prior history of similar electrical issues recorded for this aircraft.
Findings
- An electrical short circuit caused the bang, sparks, and smoke.
- The damage was localized to the P1 screen heat filter area due to chafing of the wiring.
- The circuit protection systems functioned rapidly and effectively, preventing a more significant hazard.