Date: December 30, 2024
Aircraft Involved:
• Aircraft Type: Airbus A330-200
• Registration: N393HA
• Operator: Hawaiian Airlines
• Flight Number: HA-21
• Route: Seattle, WA (USA) to Honolulu, HI (USA)
Incident Overview
Hawaiian Airlines flight HA-21 experienced an onboard fume event shortly after departure from Seattle. The aircraft, carrying 273 passengers and 10 crew, levelled off at 7,000 feet before returning to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) for a precautionary landing on runway 16L. Emergency services found no evidence of smoke, smell, or fire after inspection. The flight was subsequently cancelled, and passengers were re-accommodated.
Sequence of Events
1. Climb-Out:
• Shortly after takeoff from runway 16L, the crew reported fumes in the cabin.
2. Decision to Return:
• The crew levelled the aircraft at 7,000 feet and decided to return to Seattle for precautionary reasons.
3. Emergency Landing:
• The aircraft landed safely back on runway 16L approximately 18 minutes after departure.
4. Inspection:
• Emergency services boarded the aircraft but did not detect any evidence of smell, heat, smoke, or fire.
Initial Findings and Hypotheses
1. Fume Source:
• Potential causes include contamination of bleed air, an electrical fault, or external sources (e.g., APU exhaust).
2. Crew and Passenger Safety:
• The crew acted promptly to prioritize safety by returning to the airport and coordinating with emergency services.
3. Inspection Results:
• The absence of detectable fumes or heat during the inspection suggests the issue may have been transient or related to a minor system malfunction.
4. Impact on Operations:
• The flight was cancelled, and passengers were accommodated on alternate services.
Recommendations
1. Aircraft Inspection:
• Perform a thorough inspection of the bleed air, ventilation, and electrical systems to identify any anomalies.
2. Preventive Measures:
• Review and enhance maintenance procedures to monitor and address potential sources of fumes.
3. Training for Fume Events:
• Reinforce protocols for crew response to fume events during recurrent training sessions.
4. Passenger Communication:
• Ensure clear communication with passengers during such incidents to minimize confusion and anxiety.
Disclaimer
If you are the rightful owner of the photo and wish it to be taken down, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.
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.
