A CRJ700 APU was shutdown after the second engine start before takeoff and the aircraft lost electrical power because the previous crew had selected the engine generators OFF; a non standard procedure.
Synopsis
A CRJ700 APU was shutdown after the second engine start before takeoff and the aircraft lost electrical power because the previous crew had selected the engine generators OFF; a non standard procedure.
Narrative
The crew and I picked up this aircraft from another crew and was the first flight we had done in it. We watched the crew get off the aircraft and no one else got on it before we did. After single engine taxi to Runway 31L the First Officer started engine #2 and shut down the APU. At that time the aircraft went dark with apparently only battery power. I then checked the GEN Switches and found both were in the off position. I then turned both switches on and normal electrical power was established. The First Officer and I then re-did all checklists; confirmed routing in the FMS; reset V speeds and all performance data and then continued with taxi for a normal takeoff. The First Officer did explain to the passengers and the Flight Attendants that there was an electrical issue but it had been cleared up. From now on I will double check all switches on the electrical panel when I take an aircraft from another crew. I guess I got used to the switches being left in the proper position by the departing crew. The Acceptance checklist does not call for checking Electrical Panel but I will do so in the future.
Second reporter narrative
Waited for 2 minutes to make sure everything was restored; continued flight. Made PA in route to inform passengers of reset on gen as to why lights went out. Crews should not do NON standard procedures on shut down of aircraft. Event would never have happened if GEN Switch not in OFF position.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.