MD-80 Series (DC-9-80) Undifferentiated or Other Model
Troubleshooting; Human-Machine Interface; Workload
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Diverted; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft; Human Factors
At FL300; the Captain's PFD and ND began cycling on and off rapidly followed by loud crackling noises over the radio and from the circuit breaker panel. Shortly thereafter the Captain's PFD; ND and numerous other instruments lost power and many overhead annunciator lights illuminated. We ran electrical system checklists in the QRH and initially were able to restore the left generator as AC volts and frequency were within normal limits.Shortly thereafter; however; the same problems started again. This time AC volts and frequency were not within allowable limits. First attempts to start APU were unsuccessful. We then declared an emergency and diverted to the nearest suitable airport. At approximately FL200 the APU finally started and we landed without further problems.
An MD-80 flight crew suffered multiple electrical system anomalies and diverted to the nearest suitable airport.