Date: 14th December 2024
Location: 150 nautical miles northeast of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300, registration ET-BBG
Operator: Ethiopian Airlines
Flight Number: ET-612
Route: Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) to Dubai (United Arab Emirates)
Occupants: Unknown
Injuries: None reported
Summary of Events
On 14th December 2024, Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET-612, a Boeing 777-300, experienced a technical issue related to the cargo hold approximately 30 minutes after departure from Addis Ababa en route to Dubai. At the time, the aircraft was cruising at FL350 about 150 nautical miles northeast of Addis Ababa.
The crew immediately declared a precautionary return and initiated a descent to FL160 while coordinating with Air Traffic Control (ATC). The aircraft landed safely on Runway 07R at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport approximately 55 minutes after departure. Upon landing, the crew executed a full evacuation procedure on the runway as a precautionary measure.
Aircraft Details
• Type: Boeing 777-300
• Registration: ET-BBG
• Engines: 2x GE90-115B
• Configuration: Passenger aircraft
• Operator: Ethiopian Airlines
The Boeing 777-300 is a long-haul aircraft designed with advanced safety systems, including fire and smoke detection capabilities for its cargo holds.
Sequence of Events
1. Cruise Phase:
• The aircraft was cruising at FL350 when the crew detected an unspecified technical issue, potentially involving the cargo hold systems.
2. Decision to Return:
• The crew declared their intent to return to Addis Ababa as a precautionary measure and initiated a controlled descent to FL160.
• ATC was informed of the technical issue, and emergency services were placed on standby.
3. Approach and Landing:
• On final approach, the crew advised that they would stop on the runway upon landing and requested that emergency services not open the cargo hold, suggesting concerns about a potential hazardous condition.
• The aircraft landed safely on Runway 07R.
4. Evacuation:
• The crew executed an evacuation procedure while the aircraft remained on the runway.
• ATC communications confirmed that the evacuation was in progress after the crew notified that they would not vacate the runway.
5. Post-Incident Handling:
• Passengers were safely evacuated without injuries.
• A replacement aircraft, a Boeing 787-9 registration ET-AXT, transported passengers to Dubai with a delay of approximately 12 hours.
Initial Findings
• Cargo Hold Concern:
• The decision to stop on the runway and evacuate, along with the request not to open the cargo hold, suggests a possible issue involving fire detection or pressurisation within the cargo area.
• Engine Failure Rumours:
• Speculative reports regarding a potential engine failure (GE90) remain unconfirmed and have not been supported by evidence or airline statements.
• Aircraft History:
• The occurrence aircraft (ET-BBG) had only recently entered service with Ethiopian Airlines on 12th December 2024, having arrived from Victorville, California, on 9th December 2024 following a positioning/delivery flight.
Safety Risks
1. Cargo Hold Technical Issues:
• Malfunctions within cargo hold systems, including smoke detection, fire suppression, or pressurisation, pose significant risks during flight operations.
2. Evacuation Execution:
• The need for an on-runway evacuation introduces risks of passenger injury and operational disruptions, highlighting the importance of adherence to emergency procedures.
3. Aircraft Integration:
• Newly inducted aircraft may require enhanced post-delivery checks to ensure full operational reliability during their early service period.
Recommendations
1. Comprehensive Investigation:
• Conduct a thorough investigation into the technical issue to identify root causes and determine whether cargo hold systems, sensors, or fire suppression mechanisms were involved.
2. Post-Delivery Inspections:
• Ensure all newly acquired aircraft undergo rigorous post-delivery checks to mitigate risks of system malfunctions during initial operations.
3. Crew Training:
• Reinforce crew protocols for emergency handling, particularly in scenarios involving cargo hold concerns and full evacuations.
4. Systems Review:
• Evaluate the reliability and performance of cargo hold fire detection and suppression systems across the Boeing 777 fleet.
Safety Lessons
This incident highlights the importance of:
• Proactive crew decision-making in the face of ambiguous technical issues,
• Effective coordination with ATC and emergency services, and
• Comprehensive inspections for newly inducted aircraft to ensure operational reliability.
The swift and cautious actions of the crew ensured the safety of all on board, demonstrating the critical value of adherence to emergency protocols and operational training.
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Our investigation reports are based on all the evidence and facts we have at the time of writing and posting. We apologise if any details are missed or are not fully accurate.
