AAIB investigation to DA 42 NG, G-HAKA

Loss of electrical power shortly after take-off, Leeds Bradford Airport, West Yorkshire, 8 December 2020.

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 8 July 2021

• Category: General aviation - fixed wing
• Report type: Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
• Date of occurrence: 8 December 2020
• Aircraft type: DA 42 NG
• Location: Leeds Bradford Airport, West Yorkshire
• Registration: G-HAKA

Summary:

The aircraft lost electrical power shortly after take-off because the alternators had not been switched ON. The pilot did not notice the incorrect switch setting before takeoff, or when carrying out the abnormal checklists in flight. The engines continued to operate, and the pilot returned to the departure airport with the aid of the standby artificial horizon and a mobile phone based flight planning application.

As a result of this serious incident, the AAIB submitted an observation to the aircraft manufacturer, and the operator took safety action to better inform its pilots.

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DA 42 NG, G-HAKA

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Glossary of abbreviations

Published 8 July 2021