Flight PR-102 | Registration: RP-C7782
Date: 9 April 2025 | Location: Over Pacific Ocean, diverted to Tokyo Haneda Airport (RJTT)
Flight Details
• Aircraft Type: Boeing 777-3F6(ER)
• Engines: 2 × General Electric GE90-115B
• Operator: Philippine Airlines
• Registration: RP-C7782
• Flight Number: PR-102
• Callsign: PHILIPPINE 102
• Route: Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (RPLL), Philippines to Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX), USA
• Date of Incident: 9 April 2025
• Total Occupants: 359 (estimated 344 passengers and 15 crew)
• Weather Conditions: No adverse weather reported enroute or during diversion
Introduction
On 9 April 2025, Philippine Airlines flight PR-102 from Manila to Los Angeles was diverted to Tokyo Haneda following the detection of smoke in the aircraft cabin while cruising over the western Pacific Ocean. The Boeing 777-300ER, registration RP-C7782, was flying at FL330 approximately 600 nautical miles south of Tokyo when the incident occurred. The crew declared an emergency and diverted to Haneda, where the aircraft landed safely approximately two hours later. The airline later confirmed the smoke originated from one of the aircraft’s air conditioning systems.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft departed Manila without delay and proceeded northeast over the Pacific. While in cruise at FL330, crew and passengers became aware of a smell and visible haze in the cabin. The cabin crew notified the flight deck immediately, initiating abnormal procedures.
The source of the smoke was quickly isolated to one of the aircraft’s two air conditioning packs. These packs are responsible for regulating cabin pressure and temperature by conditioning engine bleed air.
Upon confirming the smoke did not stem from a fire but still posed a potential hazard, the flight crew declared a precautionary emergency and requested immediate diversion. Tokyo Haneda was selected due to proximity and availability of emergency response facilities.
PR-102 conducted a controlled descent and routing into Haneda, landing safely on runway 34L at approximately 03:30 local time. The aircraft taxied to a remote stand, where it remained sealed for several hours.
Crew & Communication
The cockpit crew executed the smoke/fumes checklist, which includes:
• Identifying the origin of the smoke
• Switching off affected air conditioning pack
• Monitoring electrical and ECS systems for fire indications
• Communicating with cabin crew for real-time cabin conditions
• Coordinating descent and emergency diversion
A PAN-PAN or MAYDAY call was likely issued to ATC to expedite the aircraft’s arrival. The cabin crew ensured passengers remained calm, secured the cabin, and monitored any health symptoms related to smoke inhalation.
All communication was handled professionally, and no further escalation such as depressurisation or fire detection was reported.
Aircraft Systems & Technical Analysis
The Boeing 777-300ER’s environmental control system consists of:
• Two air conditioning packs located in the lower fuselage
• Bleed air drawn from engine compressors
• Heat exchangers, turbine-driven compressors, and recirculation fans
Possible causes for smoke emission include:
• Oil contamination in the bleed air system
• Pack bearing failure or overheat
• Electrical short within the ECS control modules
• Ingestion of de-icing fluid or hydraulic mist into bleed air pathways
The aircraft’s onboard sensors did not detect any fire, suggesting that the issue remained confined within the pack ducting or heat exchanger.
After landing, the aircraft doors were opened to allow cabin ventilation. Given Tokyo Haneda’s high traffic load during early morning hours, the aircraft was not assigned a gate until approximately 10:00 local time, leading to a protracted wait for disembarkation.
Passenger Experience & Cabin Conditions
Passengers reported a faint burning smell followed by a light haze in the cabin. Some discomfort and anxiety were experienced due to the unexpected event and long on-ground delay.
Despite no fire or toxic fumes, the uncertainty and extended wait led to increased passenger frustration. The crew remained onboard and engaged with passengers while coordinating with airport authorities.
The Philippine Ambassador in Japan was involved in facilitating passenger assistance and liaising with local agencies to expedite the disembarkation process.
Emergency Response & Aftermath
Upon landing, airport emergency services stood by while the aircraft taxied to a remote apron. As a precaution, the aircraft remained sealed until initial atmospheric readings confirmed there was no ongoing threat to safety.
Due to terminal gate unavailability and coordination issues, the disembarkation was significantly delayed. Passengers eventually deplaned and were taken by bus to the terminal.
Philippine Airlines launched logistical arrangements to accommodate the affected passengers, including hotel stays, rebookings, and onward connections. A replacement aircraft was not immediately available, and significant delays were incurred.
As of the last report, RP-C7782 remains grounded in Tokyo Haneda pending detailed inspection and repairs.
Investigation Status
The Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) and the Philippine Civil Aviation Authority (CAAP) are jointly reviewing the incident.
Key areas of investigation include:
• ECS component inspection (affected air conditioning pack)
• Data download from ACMS (Aircraft Condition Monitoring System)
• Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Quick Access Recorder (QAR) review
• Maintenance records of recent bleed air and pack-related service actions
No fire or structural damage was found, and initial findings suggest a localised systems malfunction rather than a major hazard event.
Root Cause & Contributing Factors
Probable Root Cause:
Malfunction or contamination within one of the air conditioning packs, likely involving oil ingress or ECS component failure, resulting in smoke emission into the cabin airflow.
Contributing Factors:
• Lack of early gate assignment contributed to extended cabin exposure post-landing
• High workload and traffic at Haneda limited immediate emergency response flexibility
• ECS components may have experienced wear or failure not detectable during normal maintenance
Safety Recommendations & Industry Impact
This incident reinforces the importance of:
• Monitoring ECS components for early signs of contamination or wear
• Crew readiness to act decisively in smoke/fumes scenarios
• Clear protocols for international diversion coordination in high-density airports
• Improved communication between airport authorities and foreign operators during off-schedule events
Airlines operating long-haul routes with ETOPS-certified aircraft must remain vigilant in bleed air maintenance, particularly as pack performance degrades over time.
Conclusion
Philippine Airlines flight PR-102’s diversion due to smoke from an air conditioning system was handled with appropriate caution and adherence to emergency procedures. While no fire occurred, the event disrupted operations and highlighted the complexities of in-flight systems and ground coordination during irregular operations.
The airline and airport authorities are expected to implement process reviews to reduce response time and passenger impact in future occurrences.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available information and reports at the time of writing. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness of the information provided.
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