# NTSB ENG21LA023: Bombardier CL-600-2C10, N709PS, North Canton, OH, March 26, 2021 - Type: NTSB incident investigation - Classification: Incident · Class 3 · Limited · Final report - Date: March 26, 2021, 10:40 UTC - Place: North Canton, OH · Airport - Coordinates: 40.91484, -81.44187 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.9148&lon=-81.4419&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Initial climb: Fire/smoke (non-impact)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/150) - Status: Completed - Report: Approved by Office Director - Investigation class: Class 3 - NTSB office: Aviation Engineering Division - Parties: FAA, PSA Airlines, PPG, AvTechYee - NTSB case key (mKey): 102901 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ENG21LA023 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/102901/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ENG21LA023 ## Probable cause Moisture ingression thru the window humpseal coming into contact with the terminal block braid wires. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Ice/rain protection system: ice/rain prot sys wiring](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023097): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Malfunction; cases with it: [Bombardier CL-600-2C10, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023097/cases.md?model=1390015), [All aircraft, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023097/cases.md) - [Windows-windshield system: flight compartment windows](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01035610): Aircraft › Aircraft structures · Incorrect service/maintenance (probable cause); cases with it: [Bombardier CL-600-2C10, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01035610/cases.md?model=1390015), [All aircraft, 42 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01035610/cases.md) - [Maintenance: scheduled/routine maintenance](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062010): Personnel issues › Task performance · Maintenance personnel (probable cause); cases with it: [Bombardier CL-600-2C10, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062010/cases.md?model=1390015), [All aircraft, 320 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062010/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Initial climb: Fire/smoke (non-impact)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/150) (defining event); cases with it: [Bombardier CL-600-2C10, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/150/sequence.md?model=1390015), [All aircraft, 504 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/150/sequence.md) ## Analysis The outboard glass ply failed due to a fracture along the bottom aft edge of the window caused by an electrical arcing event. The arcing event was caused by moisture ingression that came into contact with the window heating terminal block braid wires. ## Factual narrative An evaluation of the fracture pattern indicated that the outboard glass ply failed due to a fracture along the bottom aft edge of the window. The conductive film interlayer located under the outboard ply reached a high enough temperature during the arcing event that it melted and fractured the outboard glass ply of the window. The arc escaped via the glass fracture, allowing the arc to come into contact with and melt the humpseal sealant. There were no indications of any burning or fire events on the inboard surface of the window (including the power terminal block). The event was contained to the outboard glass ply. The power terminal block was removed, and no damage was noted to the wiring and solder connections. There was evidence of moisture ingress and degradation of the interlayer of window was noted in some areas around the periphery of window. Humpseal degradation and improper humpseal repair techniques were noted. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N709PS](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N709PS-2025-04-03), registration cancelled 2025-04-03, S/N 10165, built 2004 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: BOMBARDIER INC CL-600-2C10 - Registry model: [Bombardier CL-600-2C10](https://openairdocs.org/model/bombardier-cl-600-2c10) (registry code 1390015) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [GE CF34 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/ge-cf34-series) (registry code 30015, turbo-fan) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 10165 - Year built: 2004 - Engines: GE CF34 SERIES 9140 lbs thrust turbo fan; GE CF34 SERIES 9140 lbs thrust turbo fan - Damage: Minor damage - Fire: In-Flight - Flight: Part 121 - Operator: PSA Airlines - Registered owner: Aerocentury Corp - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Transport - Flight plan: IFR - Airport: CAK, Akron-Canton Rgnl ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dawn - METAR: 210 @23G36 10SM 18/13 BKN3800 A2943 ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Incident 20210326002099I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20210326002099I), Mar 26, 2021: Bombardier CL-600-2C10, Akron, OH, Minor damage. On the morning of 26 March 2021 flight 5440 cak-phl, aircraft N709PS, experienced a right windshield terminal block failure, leading to sparking, a momentary… ## Other investigations on N709PS (2) From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. - [NTSB DCA25MA108](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA25MA108), Jan 30, 2025: Bombardier CL-600-2C10 (N709PS), Washington, DC, destroyed, 67 fatal. Probable cause: The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) placement of a helicopter route in close proximity to a runway approach path; their failure to regularly review and evaluate helicopter routes and… - [NTSB DCA17CA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA17CA064), Feb 15, 2017: Bombardier CL 600 2C10 (N709PS), Charlotte, NC, substantial damage. Probable cause: collision with a deer during takeoff. From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.