What happened
On March 1, 2004, a twin-engine Saab 340A, registration OH-FAE, operated by Golden Air Flyg Ab, experienced a significant electrical power supply failure while approaching Pori. The incident began when the left generator failed during flight. Because the aircraft had not been fitted with a specific modification to automatically disconnect a failing generator, the left-side electrical buses remained powered by the left battery.
As the flight progressed, the battery charge depleted under the electrical load. This led to a critical situation where all electronic displays on the left side of the cockpit ceased to function. The sudden influx of warning flags and the loss of vital instruments created a high workload for the crew. During the first approach, the pilot' and co-pilot's uncertainty regarding the aircraft's configuration—specifically regarding the landing gear position—resulted in a go-around. A second approach and landing were eventually completed successfully, with no injuries or aircraft damage reported.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the technical cause of the generator failure and the crew's response to the unfolding emergency. Investigators examined the generator's components and found that the generator brushes had worn out prematurely. While material investigations were conducted by the manufacturer, the exact cause of this accelerated wear could not be definitively determined.
Regarding the crew, the investigation scrutinized the cockpit management and the application of emergency procedures. The investigation also looked into the lack of a voluntary modification (SB340-24-026) intended to provide pilot warnings and automatic disconnection during low-voltage scenarios.