A320 Captain experiences multiple system malfunctions in cruise; including FMGC #1 locked; GPWS fault; and ECAM malfunctions.

2011-05 · NASA ASRS report 951996

Date: 2011-05 · Aircraft: A320

Anomalies: aircraft-equipment-problem-critical

Synopsis

A320 Captain experiences multiple system malfunctions in cruise; including FMGC #1 locked; GPWS fault; and ECAM malfunctions.

Narrative

At the gate the Captain's altimeter failed; MCP was replaced. In cruise FMGC displayed independent operation; #1 FMGC was locked; this was followed by ECAM NAV GPWS fault; amber; GPWS...off; blue. GPWS system switch was displaying a fault; it was selected off; however the ECAM GPWS...off remained blue; the status page was selected and reviewed; inop CAT II; GPWS; as expected. Maintenance Control was contacted looking for direction with the #1 FMGC locked up. Maintenance Control directed us to reset circuit breakers b-1; b-2; both green monitored circuit breakers; they wanted them out until ECAM showed them pulled. After several minutes the ECAM never recognized the circuit breakers pulled. Maintenance Control directed to push back in; left FMGC still locked; Captain's map locked and could not select any mode or display; First Officer's side in same mode and range. On descent slowing for a visual when flaps 1 selected; status page displayed inop CAT II; GPWS; as expected; and inop CAB PR 1 and 2; with aircraft flight level and cabin altitude target reference settings displayed. I pushed recall and got NAV GPWS fault amber; and blue GPWS...off; I pushed clear then for the first time I saw CAB PR SYS 1 and 2 fault displayed directing mode sel in blue to be selected to manual; it was. The ECAM did not recognize the switch was selected to manual; we were on final and I was moving the outflow valve to full up at this time. The First Officer was flying in managed speed; it failed and he selected approach speed from the FMGC 2; the Captain's airspeed was lost displaying 4 red flags; spd sel; spd; spd limit; V1 inop..it appeared the ECAM was locked and did not recognize switch or circuit breaker position; however the clear; status; recall buttons did work.

NASA callback

The reporter states that the aircraft was returned to service after two global resets; the first reset was not successful. A global reset entails completely powering down the aircraft; including disconnecting the battery. The fact that the ECAM system could fail in this manner was very troubling to the reporter. Significant faults and warnings could go unreported by the system.

Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.

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