Wired

During a routine inspection, the technician noted the strobe lights would remain on after the switch was selected off. Troubleshooting revealed the switch to be defective. Removing and disassembling the switch revealed the solder joint holding the braided wire had broken and welded itself to the line post. Switch was replaced IAW AD 2008-13-17 in May 2009.

Editorial Staff

Monday, November 21, 2016 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

A majority of the reported incidents involved wiring defects, such as chafing, improper securing, broken wires, and faulty crimps.
These wiring failures led to diverse and critical system malfunctions, affecting components from alternators and avionics to engine control units and landing gear indications.
Several problems stemmed from inadequate installation or maintenance practices, where wires were not properly routed, secured, or crimped.
The cases highlight the difficulty in detecting hidden wiring damage and the significant impact such defects can have on aircraft safety and operations.