Low-latitude electron precipitation outside the well-known region of the trapped Van Allen radiation belt has been known for some time, as has the occurrence of equatorial aurora. Observation by the Spacelab 1 electron spectrometer, working between 0.1 and 12.5 keV electron energy has revealed an unexpectedly high occurrence rate and flux intensity for these events. Data were analysed for 16 orbital passes, between ¿30 latitude, outside the South Atlantic anomaly. Many precipitation events with flux levels above 2¿104 el cm-2 sr-1 were observed, each consisting of two separate electron populations (1) a low-energy component (0.1--1 keV) with a power law spectrum, and (2) a high-energy component (1--12.5 keV) with a distinct flattening of spectral slope, sometimes with a peak, and exhibiting a ''flare-up'' behavior on a maximum time scale of 1.5 hours. Detailed study of the four orbital passes which of 1.5 hours. Detailed study of the four detected the most intense fluxes (>3¿105 el cm-2 s-1) of 1- to 12.5-keV electrons showed intensity minima at the magnetic equator, with peaks on either side (L~1.12) and pitch angle distributions that indicate a significant nontrapped population. The observations place a lower limit of ~0.1 Vm-1 on the peak electric fields responsible for acceleration of the electrons. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1988