Kind of Sucks to Evacuate Twice Before the Engines Have Even Been Started

[pelmet]

From TSB....

C-FMAK, an ATR42-320 operated by Calm Air International LP, was conducting IFR flight CAV120
from Winnipeg/James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (CYWG), MB, to The Pas
Airport (CYQD), MB. During the starting procedure of the number 1 engine, the flight crew saw
smoke starting to billow into the cockpit from behind the First Officer seat. The flight crew stopped
the starting sequence, shut down the number 2 engine and proceeded with a rapid deplanement of
the passengers. The crew entered a snag in the journey log and maintenance personnel rectified
the snag by replacing the Recirculation Fan contactor. However, when the flight crew started
number 1 engine for the second time, smoke began billowing into the flight deck once again. The
crew interrupted the engine start and a second rapid deplanement was initiated. During both
events no injuries were reported, and no emergency services were requested.
The operator's maintenance replaced a Recirculation Fan contactor, the DC External Power
contactor, as well as the wiring and terminals of the DC External Power system. The aircraft was
then returned to service.

[Dias]

I'm kind of surprised they would passengers onboard after a fire without starting the engine and testing their fix first.

[goingnowherefast]

I'm sure TC is asking Calm Air the same question. How does one "ground check serviceable" without trying to replicate the snag.

[The Hammer]

Hopefully there's more to the story and perhaps there was a different crew operating the next start if mtc had not started it after replacing the recirc fan contactor.