A319
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 177.62; Flight Crew Total 10000; Flight Crew Type 1079.83
Confusion; Troubleshooting; Workload
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Aircraft; Human Factors
We pushed back from the gate and departed early. Everything was uneventful until climb out when we started to have electrical issues. At first all of the Captain's PFD/MFD screens went blank; followed by the EWD and SD flashing. This continued for several seconds; while we were trying to diagnose the issue. We were getting constant chiming and a stream of ECAM messages that made no sense. There was no indication of what was causing the issue other than the fact that everything seemed to be on the AC Bus 1 and Essential Bus. The Captain called for the APU to be started; which ended up stabilizing the situation.This all occurred before the sun came up; so it was total darkness and very confusing initially. The Captain was busy doing a great job of flying the plane. We were given vectors to return to the airport. Still unsure of what actually happened; we realized the Captain's FMGC was not operating correctly; and we didn't trust the data on his instruments. My screens and FMGC seemed to be working properly; so I became the flying pilot from that point and landed the plane without further incident. This situation was unlike any other emergency I've experienced in my career. We still aren't sure exactly what happened. It seemed as if AC Bus 1 wasn't being powered properly; however the Essential Bus didn't transfer to AC Bus 2. Due to the litany of ECAMS and EWD screen issues; we didn't have any specific ECAM to run until we landed. During taxi in; we received a Gen 1 Fault ECAM. This was our suspected source all along; however at that point the APU Gen was online and covering the Bus. I would just like to point out; that had the APU been deferred; this would have been a very bad situation. We had no guidance and were initially very confused on what was happening. To make matters worse; our yaw dampers had gone offline; and we were getting an unusual yaw; which complicated the diagnosis in the dark. The Captain did a great job communicating with me; the flight Attendants and the company. We worked well together and I credit great CRM and leadership on his part to a successful outcome.
A319 FO reported loss of multiple electrical systems climbing out of 2;000 feet; and stated the stream of ECAM messages 'made no sense.' They returned to departure airport after starting the APU to stabilize the electrical system.