AAIB investigation to Boeing 747-400, G-BNLW

Heat damage to ground power receptacle during ground power connection, Cape Town International Airport, 5 October 2015.

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 14 July 2016

• Category: Commercial - fixed wing
• Report type: Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
• Date of occurrence: 5 October 2015
• Aircraft type: Boeing 747-400
• Location: Cape Town International Airport
• Registration: G-BNLW

Summary:

Shortly after connecting ground power smoke was seen to emanate from the Ground Power Unit (GPU). The aircraft’s ground power receptacles and associated wiring sustained heat damage, but there was no degradation of the structural integrity of the aircraft. The most likely cause of the damage was considered to be misalignment of a ground power socket in the aircraft’s receptacle during ground power connection.

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Boeing 747-400, G-BNLW 07-16

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Published 14 July 2016