Investigation number
199303841
Occurrence date
State
New South Wales
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Occurrence category
Incident

The left engine suffered a 5 second power interruption while the aircraft was cruising in moderately heavy rain. Following the power interruption the engine continued to operate normally. This was one of a series of similar events that led to the manufacturer undertaking instrumented and filmed flight tests. These disclosed that ice was building on the engine inlet and when released was being ingested into the engine. Further testing found that the inlet heating cycle was being interrupted by electro-magnetic interference in the deicing controller. This allowed ice to build up. Two modifications were introduced. SB F50-71-037 re routed the bonding cable for the oil cooling flap actuator to reduce EMF transmission and SB F50-71-041 enlarged the lower cowl bypass duct to allow any displaced ice to eject overboard rather than through the engine. The operator has embodied both modifications and to date has not had a recurrence of power interruptions.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Fokker B.V.
Model
F27 MK 50
Registration
VH-FNC
Sector
Turboprop
Departure point
Sydney NSW
Destination
Wagga NSW
Damage
Nil