Date: 4th December 2024
Location: Newark Liberty International Airport, New Jersey, USA
Aircraft: Embraer ERJ-170, registration N642RW
Operator: Republic Airways
Flight Number: YX-3439
Route: Newark, NJ (USA) to Detroit, MI (USA)
Occupants: Unknown
Injuries: None reported
Summary of Events
On 4th December 2024, Republic Airways flight YX-3439 departed Newark Liberty International Airport en route to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. During the climb, while passing through FL180, the crew detected smoke on board and declared an emergency. They initiated a return to Newark and landed safely on runway 22L approximately 35 minutes after departure.
Following the landing, an emergency evacuation was conducted using the aircraft’s slides. No injuries were reported. The aircraft remained grounded before positioning to Windsor, Ontario, on 8th December 2024, where it remains as of 27 hours after landing in Windsor.
Aircraft Information
The Embraer ERJ-170 is a regional jet commonly used for short to medium-haul routes. It is equipped with environmental control systems (ECS) that manage cabin air quality, pressurisation, and temperature using bleed air from the engines. Smoke in the cabin can result from issues with the ECS, electrical systems, or external sources.
Sequence of Events
1. Departure and Climb:
• The aircraft departed Newark’s runway and was climbing through FL180 when smoke was reported onboard.
2. Emergency Declaration:
• The crew declared an emergency and requested an immediate return to Newark.
3. Landing and Evacuation:
• The aircraft landed safely on runway 22L.
• The crew initiated an emergency evacuation via slides to ensure passenger safety.
Initial Findings
Potential Sources of Smoke
1. Environmental Control System (ECS):
• Contaminated bleed air, often caused by engine oil or hydraulic fluid leakage, may introduce smoke into the cabin.
2. Electrical Systems:
• Faulty wiring or overheating components, such as avionics or cabin systems, could have been the source of the smoke.
3. Cabin Systems:
• A failure in the cabin air distribution system might have contributed to the incident.
4. External Contaminants:
• Ground contaminants or exhaust fumes might have entered the air supply during the climb.
Safety Risks
1. Passenger Evacuation Hazards:
• Evacuations via slides can lead to injuries, particularly in stressful or rushed conditions.
2. Smoke Inhalation:
• Prolonged exposure to smoke can impair crew and passenger health and decision-making.
3. Operational Disruptions:
• Extended grounding of the aircraft impacts schedules and incurs operational costs.
Recommendations
1. Inspection and Maintenance:
• Conduct a comprehensive inspection of the environmental control system, engine seals, and cabin systems to identify and rectify the source of the smoke.
2. Incident Reporting and Analysis:
• Gather data from crew and passenger reports, and analyse trends in smoke-related events within the fleet to identify recurring issues.
3. Training Enhancements:
• Provide recurrent training for crew to manage in-flight smoke incidents effectively, including communication, emergency landings, and evacuation protocols.
4. Fleet-Wide Inspections:
• Inspect similar aircraft in the operator’s fleet for potential vulnerabilities in air and cabin systems.
5. Monitoring Systems:
• Install advanced air quality monitoring systems to provide early detection of smoke or fumes in the cabin and cockpit.
Safety Lessons
This incident highlights the importance of swift crew decision-making in managing smoke-related emergencies. Effective coordination, communication, and adherence to safety protocols ensured a safe landing and evacuation. Preventive measures, including robust maintenance and enhanced training, can mitigate the risks associated with such incidents.
Disclaimer
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Our investigation reports are based on all the evidence and facts available at the time of writing and posting. We apologise if any details are missed or are not fully accurate.
