Event Details


Title:APU cabin smoke while taxiing, Boeing 777-236, G-VIIU
Micro summary:APU smoke permeating in the cabin prompts a return back to the stand for this Boeing 777.
Event Time:2002-04-28 at 1720 UTC
File Name:2002-04-28-UK.pdf
Publishing Agency:Aircraft Accident Investigation Board (AAIB)
Publishing Country:United Kingdom
Report number:EW/G2002/04/20EW/G2002/04/20
Pages:2
Diversion Airport:London Heathrow Airport, London, England
Site of event:Heathrow
Departure:London Heathrow Airport, London, England, United Kingdom
Destination:London Heathrow Airport, London, England (Diversion)
Airplane Type(s):Boeing 777-236
Flight Phase:Taxi
Registration(s):G-VIIU
Operator(s):British Airways
Type of flight:Revenue
Occupants:174
Fatalities:0
Serious Injuries:0
Minor/Non-Injured:174
Other Injuries:0
Diverted to:London Heathrow Airport, London, England
Executive Summary:The aircraft was being pushed back from its stand with the APU providing primary aircraft power. The No 2 engine Autostart sequence was initiated but almost immediately, about 4 seconds later, the APU generator dropped off-line, the aircraft reverted to 'Stand-by' electrical power and the No 2 engine autostart disengaged. About 6 seconds after that, thick blue/white smoke started to enter the cockpit, rapidly, through the co-pilot's overhead louvre. Similar smoke also entered the forward part of the passenger cabin, extending as far back as the No 3 door, and, outside the aircraft, a plume of smoke was observed emanating from the rear fuselage.

Although no 'Fire' warning had been activated, the crew discharged the APU fire bottle; the airport fire service also attended the aircraft and followed as it was towed back onto the stand. Subsequently, the passengers and crew were disembarked normally, but quickly, via the embarkation airbridge at door 2L. Approximately 10 to 15 minutes after the APU generator had dropped off-line, the aircraft's 'Stand-by' electrical power also failed.
Learning Keywords:Operations - Cabin or Cockpit Smoke
Systems - APU
Close match:Electrical smoke on climb, Boeing 777-236, G-VIIE
Cabin smoke, Airbus A300-600, March 28, 2000
Cabin smoke evacuation, McDonald Douglas DC-9-82, April 16, 2003
Emergency evacuation due to fumes, McDonnell Douglas MD-80 ,December 19, 1997

 




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