777 Fire Risk (B777 models overlooked  in relevant AD covering all other Boeing Airliners)

From: JOHN KING <john.king19@comcast.net>
Sent: Saturday, August 25, 2018 5:16 AM
To: phoebus@iinet.net.au
Subject: AD for Fire Protection Waived for 777s

MH370 Final Report missed this.  Lets hope that  'Lady Luck' continues to get to ride the jump seat with the next event -

Boeing issued a ‘flammability warning’ in a Service Letter on August 6, 2004 and referenced an ‘original letter dated March 23, 1998. Similarly, Douglas issued a warning as an “All Operator Letter” dated August 9, 1996 and cited “recent MD-80, and MD-11 ground fires”, that had occurred. A PDF copy is available.

The “fuel load” discovered were the two materials surrounding most aircraft fuselages for sound and temperature insulation - that indeed would readily burn, and especially so when covered in use by the typical contaminants - like dust, debris, or corrosion preventative materials found in regular service. An NTSB Safety Recommendation Letter (A-12-068-070) defines the “fire load” as “the amount of combustible material that can be involved in a fire”.

As the FAA said in AD-2008-23-09, 2008, - that; “We have determined that each material is susceptible to ignition and propagation from a small ignition source and thus presents an unsafe condition”, (Ref Pg. 3-4, “Questioning the Safety Risk of AN-26”).

AD 2008-23-09 applies to all Boeings - BUT NOT THE 777s, (727-200 Series, 727-200F Series, 737-200 Series, 737-200C Series, 737-300 Series, 737-400 Series, 747-100 Series, 747-100B SUD Series, 747-100B Series, 747-200B Series, 747-200C Series, 747-200F Series, 747-300 Series, 747-400 Series, 747SP Series, 747SR Series, 757-200 Series, 757-200CB Series, 757-200PF Series, 767-200 Series, 767-300 Series).

Source Link > https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/airworthiness_directives/search/models/?id=A25376CDF9BE5B42862574FD0055EDA4

--------------------------------------

On August 23, 2018 at 9:24 PM phoebus@iinet.net.au wrote:

From: JOHN KING <john.king19@comcast.net>
Sent: Friday, August 24, 2018 4:59 AM
To: phoebus@iinet.net.au
Subject: Something burning

777-300 Fire down Below

An Etihad Boeing 777-300(ER), registration A6-ETR performing flight EY-450

[PDF]Electrical short circuit and forward cargo compartment smoke ... - ATSB

https://www.atsb.gov.au/media/5774692/ao-2017-101_final.pdf

1.       

1 day ago - cargo fire switches located in the flight compartment overhead panel. ... intention to divert to Adelaide Airport, South Australia, as it was the ... Source: Etihad Airways, modified by the ATSB ... wire-chafing and arcing in the cargo area of a Boeing 777 aircraft. .... result in a short circuit and a system failure.

Model summary

2 more rows

List of Boeing 777 operators - Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Boeing_777_operators

Faulty wiring blamed for Etihad Airways 777 flight diversion.

Link > https://www.arabianbusiness.com/transport/403069-wkd-faulty-wiring-blamed-for-etihad-airways-flight-diversion

An investigation has been concluded into the cause of a small fire that forced an Etihad Airways plane to divert during a flight from Abu Dhabi to Sydney, Australia.
During the flight last October, a burning smell was detected on the flight deck and the forward cargo compartment fire warning was activated.
The flight crew armed and set the forward cargo fire suppression system and diverted the aircraft to Adelaide for a safe landing.
A report by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) found that a wiring loom situated above the forward cargo compartment was incorrectly routed, likely during the manufacture of the Boeing 777-300 aircraft.
Over several years, wires in that loom had chafed against the support structure and short circuited. Electrical arcing created smoke that activated the forward cargo smoke detector, it said.
The report said the Etihad flight crew declared a Mayday to air traffic control and advised of their intention to divert to Adelaide Airport.
The aircraft landed safely and all passengers and crew disembarked with zero injuries reported.
The ATSB said Boeing had proactively sent out warnings to all 777 operators in response to the incident and had received reports of five other similar incidents. (Under-lining added).
Boeing also issued a service bulletin which required operators to inspect for and correct similar conditions that led to this occurrence.
Last Updated: Thu 23 Aug 2018 09:30 AM GST.
END

 Back to main menu