E190, en-route, southwest Vermont USA, 2016

E190, en-route, southwest Vermont USA, 2016

Summary

On 25 May 2016, an Embraer ERJ 190 experienced a major electrical system failure soon after reaching its cruise altitude of FL 360. ATC were advised of problems and a descent to enable the APU to be started was made. This action restored most of the lost systems and the crew, not having declared an emergency, elected to complete their planned 400nm flight. The Investigation found that liquid contamination of an underfloor avionics bay had caused the electrical failure which had also involved fire and smoke without crew awareness because the smoke detection and air recirculation systems had been unpowered.

Description

On 25 My 2016, multiple indications of electrical system failure appeared on an Embraer ERJ190 (C-FHOS) being operated by Air Canada on a scheduled international passenger flight from Boston to Toronto as ACA361 whilst it was in the cruise at FL 360 in day VMC having completed about a quarter of the planned flight. The autopilot disconnected and three of the five EFIS displays went dark. Automatic deployment of the RAT restored some of the lost power and during a descent initiated to FL 240 it was possible to start the APU which restored most of the rest. Sufficient systems were restored to allow the flight to be completed as originally intended and this was achieved without any significant remaining airworthiness issues being apparent to the crew. On arrival, it was immediately apparent on inspection by Company maintenance personnel that smoke and fire in an avionics bay had accompanied the electrical fault.

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