Date: 15th December 2024
Location: West of Rome, Italy
Aircraft: Boeing 737-800, registration EI-ESS
Operator: Ryanair
Flight Number: FR-245
Route: Tenerife South, Spain (TFS) to Rome Fiumicino, Italy (FCO)
Occupants: Unknown
Injuries: None reported
Summary of Events
On 15th December 2024, Ryanair Flight FR-245, a Boeing 737-800 en route from Tenerife South to Rome Fiumicino, encountered electrical and navigational issues during its initial descent into Rome. The flight crew notified Air Traffic Control (ATC) of the issue, prompting emergency response teams to be mobilised both at Rome Fiumicino Airport and in the sea area west of Rome as a precautionary measure.
The crew maintained control of the aircraft and landed safely on Runway 34R at Fiumicino Airport approximately 25 minutes after reporting the issues. The emergency status was cancelled upon landing.
The aircraft remained grounded for 43.5 hours before being cleared to resume service.
Sequence of Events
1. Initial Descent:
• While descending toward Rome Fiumicino, the crew identified an electrical fault affecting critical systems, including navigation equipment.
2. Emergency Declaration:
• The flight crew informed ATC of the issues and declared an emergency as a precautionary measure. Emergency response teams were deployed at Fiumicino Airport and along the coastal area west of Rome.
3. Continued Descent and Landing:
• Despite the navigational challenges, the crew continued their approach and successfully landed the aircraft on Runway 34R.
4. Post-Landing Assessment:
• Emergency services inspected the aircraft on the ground to ensure safety, and passengers disembarked without incident.
5. Aircraft Status:
• The Boeing 737-800 underwent maintenance and troubleshooting. The aircraft returned to service approximately 43.5 hours after landing.
Aircraft Details
• Type: Boeing 737-800
• Registration: EI-ESS
• Engines: 2x CFM56-7B
• Configuration: Passenger aircraft
The Boeing 737-800 is a widely used short-to-medium-haul aircraft equipped with redundant electrical and navigation systems.
Initial Findings
1. Electrical System Malfunction:
• A fault within the aircraft’s electrical systems likely impacted one or more navigation instruments, prompting the crew to take precautionary measures.
2. Navigation System Issues:
• Loss or degradation of navigational capability during critical phases of flight can affect operational safety, particularly during descent and landing.
3. Crew Response:
• The flight crew’s decision to declare an emergency ensured swift mobilisation of ground and sea-based response teams. Their adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) resulted in a safe landing.
4. Maintenance:
• The extended grounding period of 43.5 hours suggests detailed troubleshooting and inspections were conducted to identify and rectify the root cause.
Safety Risks
1. Electrical Faults:
• Malfunctions in electrical systems can cascade, affecting navigation, communication, and essential flight systems.
2. Loss of Navigation:
• Navigational failures during descent increase workload for the crew and heighten operational risk, especially in congested airspace.
3. Passenger Safety:
• While no injuries occurred, any in-flight emergency causes operational disruption and potential concern among passengers.
Recommendations
1. Electrical System Diagnostics:
• Conduct a thorough inspection of the aircraft’s electrical systems, focusing on components affecting navigation equipment.
2. Enhanced Crew Training:
• Reinforce crew protocols for managing electrical failures and navigation system malfunctions, including emergency handling and diversion planning.
3. Monitoring and Prevention:
• Implement enhanced predictive maintenance measures to identify and address electrical anomalies before they manifest during flight.
4. Passenger Communication:
• Ensure transparent and timely communication with passengers in the event of such occurrences to manage concerns and provide reassurance.
Safety Lessons
This incident highlights the importance of redundant systems in ensuring safe operations when critical failures occur. The crew’s decision to declare an emergency and prioritise safety demonstrates the effectiveness of standard operating procedures and training.
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