AAIB investigation to ATR 72-212 A, G-OATR and ATR 72-212 A, G-ORAI

Smoke in the cabin following engine start, Guernsey Airport, 29 June and 22 July 2020.

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 13 May 2021

• Category: Commercial - fixed wing
• Report type: Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
• Date of occurrence: 29 June 2020
• Aircraft type: ATR 72-212 A ATR 72-212 A
• Location: Guernsey Airport, Guernsey
• Registration: G-OATR G-ORAI

Summary:

Two separate cabin smoke events were reported while starting the engines on different aircraft in the operator’s fleet. The operator concluded that low utilisation of the aircraft and a high amount of airborne salinity resulted in corrosion forming on the P2.5/P3 engine air switching valve, sufficient to prevent it from fully closing. With the valve partially open, contaminated air from the engine was able to enter the cabin.

Safety action has been taken by the operator to help prevent corrosion forming on the valve and to amend the engine start procedure to reduce the risk of contaminated air entering the environmental control system.

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ATR 72-212 A, G-OATR and ATR 72-212 A, G-ORAI

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Glossary of abbreviations

Published 13 May 2021