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British Airways jet fire re-ignited repeatedly as crew tried to put it out British Airways jet fire re-ignited repeatedly as crew tried to put it out
(about 2 hours later)
A struggle by cabin crew to put out a fire on a British Airways jumbo jet carrying 274 passengers has been described by air accident investigators.A struggle by cabin crew to put out a fire on a British Airways jumbo jet carrying 274 passengers has been described by air accident investigators.
Five extinguishers had to be used as the blaze on the Heathrow-bound plane "appeared to re-ignite repeatedly", said a report.Five extinguishers had to be used as the blaze on the Heathrow-bound plane "appeared to re-ignite repeatedly", said a report.
It was subsequently considered that the area of the fire, in one of the galleys, had not been electrically isolated during the incident.It was subsequently considered that the area of the fire, in one of the galleys, had not been electrically isolated during the incident.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) added that BA had accordingly made several internal safety recommendations regarding both cabin and flight crew procedures and training.The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) added that BA had accordingly made several internal safety recommendations regarding both cabin and flight crew procedures and training.
Described by the AAIB as a "serious incident", the fire broke out as the Boeing 747 was about two hours away from Heathrow on a flight from Dallas in Texas on 14 October last year. Described by the AAIB as a "serious incident", the fire broke out as the Boeing 747 was about two hours away from Heathrow on a flight from Dallas, Texas, on 14 October last year.
The report said flight crew had noticed a smell and smoke was detected either in a lavatory or in the cooling duct of the in-flight entertainment equipment.The report said flight crew had noticed a smell and smoke was detected either in a lavatory or in the cooling duct of the in-flight entertainment equipment.
The flight crew elected not to wear oxygen masks nor to broadcast a distress call, said the report.The flight crew elected not to wear oxygen masks nor to broadcast a distress call, said the report.
About two minutes later, two crew members told the captain flames were visible in galley four, and that these were being tackled by extinguishers.About two minutes later, two crew members told the captain flames were visible in galley four, and that these were being tackled by extinguishers.
The smoke and flames were coming from the in-flight entertainment equipment.The smoke and flames were coming from the in-flight entertainment equipment.
The report went on: "A third cabin crew member tried to discharge the first extinguisher but mishandled it, so another crew member took over.The report went on: "A third cabin crew member tried to discharge the first extinguisher but mishandled it, so another crew member took over.
"Ultimately, five extinguishers were used because the fire appeared to re-ignite repeatedly. Eventually the cabin crew were able to report that the fire was out.""Ultimately, five extinguishers were used because the fire appeared to re-ignite repeatedly. Eventually the cabin crew were able to report that the fire was out."
The crew consulted "smoke, fire or fumes" instructions on the plane but did not follow the checklist, investigators found.The crew consulted "smoke, fire or fumes" instructions on the plane but did not follow the checklist, investigators found.
British Airways said: "The safety of everyone on our flights is always our main priority. Our crews receive extensive training and aircraft are fitted with safety equipment to deal with a variety of issues.British Airways said: "The safety of everyone on our flights is always our main priority. Our crews receive extensive training and aircraft are fitted with safety equipment to deal with a variety of issues.
"Incidents like this are very rare, and while lessons can always be learnt, the actions of our staff meant the problem was resolved quickly and calmly without affecting any of our customers.""Incidents like this are very rare, and while lessons can always be learnt, the actions of our staff meant the problem was resolved quickly and calmly without affecting any of our customers."