In 2003, mechanical and maintenance were the major cause of 15% of all GA accidents, and 7.5% of fatal accidents

Typically, one mistake or failure—a precipitating event—leads to another in a cascading series of malfunctions and mistakes, culminatiing in an accident. This is called the accident chain.

By any calculation, the average pilot could fly many, many lifetimes without having an accident of any sort, let alone a much more rare fatal mishap.

In 2003, electrical/ignition failures accounted for 3% of all accidents, and 0% of fatal accidents.

2004 Nall Report

 
 

CIRRUS Monthly Proficiency Program
3 part series on IFR operations
August – Part 1: Electrical Systems


Electrical System Abnormalities
Problem Situations: Causes and Remedies (continued)

  • ALT 1 Flashing Illumination
  • Probable cause: There is an overcurrent situation, which could be the result of a low battery and heavy equipment load requirement.

    An overcurrent situation can lead to an alternator failure or possible electrical failure.
  • Remedies: Reduce loads on the Non-Essential Buses, Main Bus 1 and Main Bus 2 until BAT 1 is charged.
  • Refer to appropriate airplane POH to review the procedure for dealing with an overcurrent situation.
  • Equipment to turn off (suggested)
  • Transponder
  • MFD (Multi-Function Display)
  • Pitot heat (if able)
  • Garmin #1
  • Any external and internal lights not required for flight

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