Summary
The aircraft departed Melbourne with an unserviceable auxiliary power unit (APU). During climb the left engine driven generator also failed. As the aircraft was left with only one serviceable generator, (the right engine driven generator) the flight returned to Melbourne.
These problems had been intermittently occurring for a couple of days. After extensive investigation maintenance found that the APU start switch was unserviceable. After the switch was replaced, the APU operated satisfactorily. The left engine driven generator and electrical contractor were subsequently confirmed to be unserviceable and were replaced. Subsequent operations have been satisfactory.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 199601559 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 14/05/1996 |
| Location | 160 km west of Melbourne Airport |
| State | Victoria |
| Report release date | 29/08/1996 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Occurrence class | Incident |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | The Boeing Company |
|---|---|
| Model | 737-476 |
| Registration | VH-TJG |
| Sector | Jet |
| Operation type | Air Transport High Capacity |
| Departure point | Melbourne Vic |
| Destination | Adelaide SA |
| Damage | Nil |