Sequence & Resolution
Event Date01/18/2026
Level
Serious Incident
CategoryCabin Fire
Flight PhaseClimb
Affected AltitudeFL070
Technical Issue Details
•de Havilland Dash 8-200 (OY-GRG) was climbing through FL070 after departing from runway 04 at Nuuk Airport.
•The incident occurred on flight GL3401 bound for Narsarsuaq Airport.
•The flight crew smelled burning rubber, which was quickly followed by smoke and visible flames emanating from the right-hand (RH) windshield terminal block.
•The crew switched off the windshield heat, which successfully extinguished the flames and stopped the sparks.
•Due to residual smoke in the cockpit, the crew donned their oxygen masks and stopped the climb at FL090.
Outcome / Handling
•The flight crew decided to return to the departure airport at Nuuk.
•The aircraft landed safely on runway 04 at Nuuk Airport approximately 20 minutes after departure.
•No injuries were reported among the passengers or crew members.
•The aircraft sustained minor damage limited to the right-hand windshield terminal block area.
Current Status
•The Danish Accident Investigation Board (Havarikommissionen - HCL) classified the occurrence as a serious incident and launched an investigation.
•The investigation identified the right-hand windshield as the source of a short circuit that caused overheating and melting of the terminal block.
•The 115V "Windshield R/H Heat" circuit breaker was found to have popped during the event.
•The aircraft was subsequently repaired and returned to active service.
Sourceavherald.com
Flight Information
Flight NumberGL3401
Flight Duration20 minutes
Departure Runway04 (GOH)
Landing Runway04 (GOH)