Antennas

During post-flight inspection, cracks were discovered on the ELTs rod antenna, approximately six inches from the base. The #2 GPS lost signal during an RNAV approach, generating a warning on the Garmin G1000. An operator noted it had experienced four-plus failures of the whip antenna installed for the Artex ME406 ELT. Flight experienced en route loss of GPS reception on all four devices, including a GTN 750/650 installation plus two portable WAAS GPS receivers. The GNS 430W indicated no satellite coverage while in flight. A portable GPS also indicated lost coverage.

Key Takeaways:

• ELT and GPS antennas are experiencing failures due to various factors, including manufacturing defects, improper factory installation leading to water intrusion and corrosion, and repeated structural breakdowns.
• A significant safety concern is that failing GPS antennas can emit an "oscillation signal" that actively jams and disrupts reception for all other GPS receivers onboard the aircraft, necessitating the faulty unit's shutdown or replacement.

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