Overview
• Operator: Ryanair
• Aircraft Model: Boeing 737-8 MAX
• Registration: EI-HGM
• Flight Number: FR-3642
• Route: Bucharest Otopeni (OTP), Romania to Marseille (MRS), France
• Date: 24 January 2025
• Occupants: 194 people (passengers and crew)
Incident Summary
Ryanair flight FR-3642 encountered smoke in the cockpit shortly after departure from Bucharest Otopeni Airport. The crew declared a Mayday emergency, requesting immediate return and preparation of emergency services. The climb was stopped at 5,000 feet, and the aircraft landed safely on runway 26L approximately 15 minutes after takeoff. All passengers and crew disembarked safely.
Sequence of Events
1. Initial Climb:
• The aircraft departed from Bucharest’s runway 26R and began its initial climb.
• At 5,000 feet, the crew detected smoke in the cockpit and declared “Mayday, Mayday” to air traffic control.
2. Emergency Procedures and Turnback:
• The flight crew requested an immediate return to Bucharest Otopeni Airport and notified emergency services to be on standby.
• The aircraft performed a controlled descent and approach to runway 26L.
3. Landing and Inspection:
• The aircraft landed safely on runway 26L approximately 15 minutes after departure.
• Emergency services inspected the aircraft upon landing.
4. Replacement Aircraft:
• Passengers were transferred to a replacement Boeing 737-800, registration EI-EBZ, which departed for Marseille with a delay of about 3 hours and 15 minutes.
5. Aircraft Status:
• The affected aircraft, EI-HGM, remained grounded at Bucharest for inspection and maintenance.
Investigation
The cause of the smoke in the cockpit remains under investigation. Initial focus will likely include the electrical and air conditioning systems, avionics, and potential sources of contamination within the environmental control system. Ryanair has yet to issue a public statement regarding the incident.
Aircraft Status
The occurrence aircraft, EI-HGM, remains grounded in Bucharest as of 9 hours after the event. Maintenance teams are conducting detailed inspections to identify the source of the smoke and address any required repairs.
Analysis and Recommendations
Cockpit smoke incidents are considered serious due to their potential impact on crew visibility, decision-making, and flight safety. The crew’s swift action in declaring an emergency and prioritising a return to the airport aligns with industry best practices. Investigations should focus on identifying the root cause to prevent recurrence.
Ryanair and other operators are advised to review maintenance protocols for similar aircraft and ensure robust monitoring of environmental control systems. Enhanced training for crew on handling smoke and fire events remains a critical safety measure.
Disclaimer
This report is based on publicly available information as of 24 January 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the completeness of the details cannot be guaranteed. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.
