Date: 18th November 2024
Location: Near Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Aircraft: Boeing 737-800, registration G-GDFP
Flight Number: LS-138
Operator: Jet2.com
Flight Route: Fuerteventura (Spain) to Glasgow (UK)
Passengers: 170
Crew: 6
Summary of Events
On 18th November 2024, Jet2 Flight LS-138, operating from Fuerteventura, Spain, to Glasgow, UK, encountered smoke in the cabin while cruising at FL370. The incident occurred approximately 80 nautical miles northwest of Santiago de Compostela, prompting the crew to declare an emergency and divert to Santiago Airport.
The aircraft landed safely on Runway 35 approximately 20 minutes after the decision to divert. Emergency services met the aircraft upon landing and escorted it to the apron. All passengers and crew disembarked safely, with no reported injuries.
After remaining on the ground in Santiago for approximately 20 hours, the aircraft was ferried to Manchester, UK, for further inspection. The aircraft remains grounded in Manchester as of 20th November 2024.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The Boeing 737-800, registration G-GDFP, is a twin-engine narrow-body jet frequently used for medium-haul operations. The aircraft is equipped with safety features designed to manage smoke events, including advanced fire suppression and air filtration systems.
The crew of Flight LS-138 comprised experienced pilots and cabin staff who acted promptly to ensure the safety of all passengers. Their decision to divert to the nearest suitable airport reflected adherence to Jet2’s safety protocols.
Sequence of Events
1. Cruise and Smoke Detection:
While en route at FL370, passengers and crew reported smoke in the cabin. The source of the smoke was not immediately identified.
2. Emergency Diversion:
The crew declared an emergency and coordinated with air traffic control to divert to Santiago de Compostela Airport, the nearest suitable airport.
3. Safe Landing:
The aircraft landed safely on Runway 35 approximately 20 minutes after the diversion began. Emergency services escorted the aircraft to the apron for inspection and passenger disembarkation.
4. Post-Landing Actions:
Maintenance teams in Santiago conducted preliminary inspections but were unable to determine the cause of the smoke. The aircraft was ferried to Manchester for further assessment and remains grounded pending detailed investigations.
Initial Investigation and Findings
Jet2, in coordination with the Spanish aviation authorities and Boeing, has initiated an investigation into the incident. Key areas of focus include:
1. Potential Electrical Faults:
• Investigating whether smoke originated from electrical components, such as wiring, circuit breakers, or in-flight entertainment systems.
• Examining the avionics bay and cabin wiring for signs of overheating or insulation damage.
2. Environmental Control System (ECS):
• Assessing the ECS for potential oil contamination or mechanical failures that could introduce smoke into the cabin.
• Inspecting bleed air systems for leaks or malfunctions.
3. Cargo and Cabin Sources:
• Reviewing cargo manifests and passenger items for any flammable or prohibited materials that might have caused smoke.
• Checking cabin areas for malfunctioning equipment, such as galley ovens or coffee makers.
4. Maintenance Records:
• Reviewing recent maintenance logs to identify any unresolved or recurring issues related to electrical systems or environmental controls.
Passenger and Crew Impact
All 170 passengers and 6 crew members disembarked safely with no reported injuries. Jet2 provided alternate arrangements for passengers to continue their journey to Glasgow. The airline’s handling of the incident prioritized passenger safety and ensured minimal disruption.
Conclusions
The diversion of Jet2 Flight LS-138 due to smoke in the cabin was managed effectively by the flight crew, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. While the source of the smoke remains undetermined as of this report, ongoing investigations are focused on electrical systems, environmental controls, and potential cabin sources.
The findings from this incident are expected to enhance operational safety protocols and provide valuable insights into managing smoke-related events on commercial flights.
Recommendations
1. Comprehensive Electrical System Inspections:
Airlines should enhance routine inspections of electrical systems, focusing on components prone to overheating or failure.
2. ECS Monitoring and Maintenance:
Regular checks of bleed air and air conditioning systems should be prioritized to identify potential contamination or mechanical issues.
3. Crew Training for Smoke Emergencies:
Reinforce training for flight crews to handle smoke and fire scenarios, emphasizing decision-making and passenger communication during emergencies.
4. Cargo Screening Protocols:
Strengthen cargo screening procedures to prevent the carriage of items that could introduce smoke or fire hazards.
5. Incident Reporting and Analysis:
Encourage airlines to share findings from smoke-related incidents to enhance industry-wide safety practices.
Safety Lessons and Industry Impact
This incident highlights the challenges of addressing smoke-related events in modern aircraft. The quick actions of the crew and effective emergency response ensured a safe outcome, underscoring the importance of rigorous maintenance, crew training, and robust safety systems.
The investigation’s findings are expected to inform best practices for managing smoke in-flight and enhancing the reliability of aircraft systems.
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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.
