On Feb 6th 2026, an EWA Air ATR 72-212A, registration F-OJZA, turned back to Dzaoudzi after experiencing multiple electrical anomalies while cruising between Mayotte and the Comoros.
Flight ZD-304 was enroute from Dzaoudzi to Moroni and had reached FL140, approximately 60 nautical miles northwest of its departure point, when the crew heard unusual noises in the cockpit. The situation escalated as several cockpit displays shut down, the autopilot disconnected, and multiple alerts indicated electrical system failures.
Faced with degraded instrumentation and aware of unfavorable weather conditions at Moroni, the crew elected to return to Dzaoudzi in order to remain in visual meteorological conditions. The aircraft landed safely without further incident.
France’s Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses (BEA) opened an investigation into the occurrence, classifying it as a serious incident. The agency reported that the aircraft sustained minor damage.
Electrical system failures can affect flight displays, automation, and warning systems, requiring immediate crew action to manage workload and maintain situational awareness. The ATR 72 is equipped with redundancy in its electrical architecture, allowing essential systems to remain powered even after significant faults.
The safe return to Dzaoudzi underscores the importance of procedural discipline and conservative decision-making when technical issues combine with adverse weather considerations over open water.
