AAIB Report: ATR 72-202, G-NPTF, on 17 January 2023
Report into a serious incident involving an ATR 72-202 (G-NPTF) which suffered significant electrical issues and loss of instruments on approach to East Midlands Airport
Speed sensor connector with heat-shrink sleeve removed from wires
During the latter stages of a CAT II automatic approach to East Midlands Airport, the aircraft suffered a significant electrical malfunction. This caused the loss of the co-pilot’s flight instrument displays and triggered a number of warnings and cautions. The crew executed a go-around and diverted to Birmingham International Airport.
A wiring defect, probably caused by incorrect use of mechanical wire stripping tools at a third-party organisation, was the cause of the electrical malfunction.
Action has been proposed by the equipment manufacturer and has been taken by the third-party maintenance organisation to promote the use of alternative tooling to prevent a reoccurrence.