MD-82
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Distraction; Human-Machine Interface
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Returned To Clearance; Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Human Factors; Aircraft
While climbing through 9;000 for 10;000 MSL on our cleared SID we experienced 'Intermittent AC Power Interruptions'. The autopilot tripped off; we had numerous flashing cockpit annunciators; and the AC busses were cycling on and off. It took a few moments to sort out what was happening and to make sure we leveled at 10;000. As I was preparing to advise ATC 'unable RNAV' the controller cleared us 'direct to a fix on the SID'. He then asked us why we had swung wide on our turn. We explained what we were dealing with. This all happened in a very compact time period. The appropriate QRH procedure was complied with. The company should possibly consider hot weather implications for aging Generator Control and Protection Units. Temperature at takeoff was 40 C.
Had to level off at 10;000 due to an inbound traffic conflict. ...did not notice the flight director [had gone] to heading hold which was approximately what the SID course was. ATC told us to fly direct to [a fix on the SID] and asked why we were 3 miles south of course.
An MD-82 flight crew; distracted by malfunctioning AC power; failed to note the Flight Director had defaulted to heading hold resulting in a deviation from their SID track.