3 January 1992; USAir Express (Commutair) Beech 1900; Gabriel, NY: The aircraft hit high ground on approach 3.9 miles (6.2 km) from the runway at about 1600 feet (490 meters) above minimum altitude at that point. The NTSB believes that the glide slope indicator may have been unreliable due to precipitation static. One of the two crew members and one of the two passengers were killed...[from: Airsafe.com, Fatal Events Since 1970 for US Airways and US Airways Express, http://www.airsafe.com/events/airlines/usair.htm]
Static charges accumulate on an aircraft from any number of sources. This static electricity may damage equipment and/or injure personnel. An electrostatic charge builds up as a result of fluid or air flow over the structure or components of the aircraft. Static is mainly a problem with the aircraft communications systems (e.g., AN/ARC-182 airborne radio). P-Static requires special emphasis because of:
The metallic skin of the aircraft and/or aircraft exterior mounted antennas are charged through various flight processes such as:
The following are three aircraft p-static discharge methods that include:
EUT=Equipment Under Test
DC=Direct Current
HV=High Voltage