Overview
• Operator: Air France
• Aircraft Model: Bombardier C-Series CS-300
• Registration: F-HPNM
• Flight Number: AF-1228
• Route: Paris Charles de Gaulle (France) → Bologna (Italy)
• Date: 3 February 2025
• Occupants: Undisclosed number of passengers and crew
• Nature of Incident: Smoke on board
• Investigation: Ongoing
Incident Summary
Air France flight AF-1228, a Bombardier C-Series CS-300 (F-HPNM), was enroute at FL330 approximately 20 nautical miles northeast of Milan Malpensa Airport when the crew reported smoke on board. The flight crew immediately initiated a diversion to Milan Malpensa (MXP) for an expedited landing.
The aircraft conducted a safe landing on runway 35L approximately 18 minutes after the emergency declaration. The aircraft taxied to a remote apron, where emergency services were on standby for further assessment.
The remainder of the flight was cancelled, and the return flight was also called off. Passengers were subsequently bussed to Bologna to complete their journey.
The aircraft remains grounded in Milan over 31 hours after landing, pending further technical inspections and maintenance evaluations.
Sequence of Events
Cruise Phase
• The aircraft was cruising at FL330 when the crew detected smoke in the cabin/cockpit area.
• The flight crew immediately declared an emergency and requested an unscheduled diversion to Milan Malpensa Airport.
Diversion and Emergency Landing
• The aircraft initiated a rapid descent and executed a priority landing on Malpensa’s runway 35L.
• Emergency services were deployed and positioned along the runway to provide immediate response if necessary.
Post-Landing Actions
• The aircraft taxied to a remote apron, where ground crews and emergency responders conducted an initial external inspection.
• No immediate visible fire or external damage was reported.
• Passengers were disembarked normally and transported to Bologna by bus.
Flight Cancellations
• The return flight to Paris was cancelled pending aircraft inspections.
• The aircraft remained out of service for over 31 hours after landing.
Potential Causes & Technical Analysis
While the exact cause of the smoke has not yet been confirmed, possible scenarios include:
1. Electrical System Fault – A failure in wiring, avionics, or cabin systems could result in smoke generation.
2. Bleed Air Contamination – A malfunction in the environmental control system (ECS) may have allowed oil or hydraulic vapours to enter the cabin air supply.
3. Overheated Equipment or Circuitry – Cabin systems such as galley ovens, in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems, or avionics could overheat and cause smoke emissions.
4. Air Conditioning Pack Malfunction – Faulty operation of the air conditioning units can lead to burnt electrical or mechanical odours.
5. Hidden Fire Risk – While no fire was visually detected, internal smouldering within panels or compartments remains a possibility.
The crew’s decision to divert and land immediately aligns with standard aviation safety protocols to prevent escalation into an in-flight fire emergency.
Aircraft Status & Investigation
• The aircraft remains on the ground at Milan Malpensa (MXP) undergoing further diagnostics and maintenance inspections.
• Air France’s maintenance teams are conducting a thorough systems check to determine the root cause of the smoke event.
• Italian aviation authorities may review cockpit voice recordings (CVR) and flight data (FDR) to evaluate operational and procedural responses.
Safety Considerations & Best Practices
• Cabin and flight deck smoke events pose serious risks, requiring immediate crew response to mitigate potential fire hazards.
• Rapid diversions are crucial in smoke-related incidents, as visibility, toxicity, and potential hidden combustion sources can worsen quickly.
• Environmental control system (ECS) monitoring and regular electrical system checks can help prevent smoke-related occurrences.
• Passenger and crew safety protocols should ensure that protective breathing equipment (PBE) and fire extinguishers are readily accessible in case of escalating fire conditions.
Disclaimer
This report is based on available information as of 4 February 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the completeness of the details cannot be guaranteed. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.
