Overview
On December 28, 2024, a United Airlines Boeing 757-300, registration N57857, operating as flight UA-2225 from Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX), experienced smoke in the flight deck. The crew made the decision to divert to Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), where the aircraft landed safely approximately 20 minutes later. No injuries were reported among the passengers and crew, and all were rebooked onto alternate flights.
Incident Summary
Flight Details
• Aircraft Type: Boeing 757-300
• Operator: United Airlines
• Flight Number: UA-2225
• Departure Airport: Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
• Destination Airport: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
• Diversion Airport: Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)
• People Onboard: Not disclosed.
Sequence of Events
1. The aircraft was cruising at FL280, approximately 110 nautical miles west of Albuquerque, when the crew detected smoke in the cockpit.
2. Following standard operating procedures, the crew donned oxygen masks, declared an emergency, and initiated a diversion to Albuquerque.
3. The aircraft landed without further incident on Runway 03 at 11:45 a.m. local time, with emergency services standing by as a precaution.
4. Passengers were safely disembarked and rebooked onto alternate flights to their destinations.
Technical Analysis
Smoke Detection and Potential Causes
The source of smoke in the cockpit or cabin typically involves one or more of the following:
1. Electrical Malfunction: Overheating of wiring or electrical components in the avionics bay.
2. Bleed Air Contamination: Smoke or fumes introduced through the Environmental Control System (ECS), often due to oil or hydraulic fluid leaks into the bleed air system.
3. Faulty Equipment: Malfunctioning flight deck instruments or auxiliary systems.
Initial Findings
While no official cause has been identified at this stage, the aircraft’s return to service within 23 hours suggests that the issue may have been isolated and resolved following thorough inspection and testing of the suspected systems.
Operational and Crew Actions
Crew Response
The flight crew demonstrated appropriate handling of the emergency by:
• Detecting the Issue: Promptly recognising the presence of smoke.
• Executing Emergency Protocols: Donning oxygen masks and diverting to the nearest suitable airport.
• Ensuring Passenger Safety: Coordinating a safe landing and subsequent rebooking arrangements.
Emergency Landing
The diversion to Albuquerque allowed the crew to mitigate potential escalation, ensuring passenger and aircraft safety. Emergency services at Albuquerque International Sunport were well-prepared to handle the situation.
Safety Implications and Recommendations
Immediate Actions
1. Aircraft Inspection: Comprehensive checks of electrical systems, bleed air systems, and avionics for signs of overheating, contamination, or failure.
2. Component Replacement: Replace or repair faulty components identified during inspection.
Long-Term Measures
1. Enhanced Maintenance Protocols: Review maintenance practices, particularly concerning systems prone to overheating or contamination.
2. Crew Training: Reinforce procedures for handling cockpit smoke emergencies during recurrent training programs.
3. System Monitoring: Explore upgrades to monitoring systems for earlier detection of potential issues.
Conclusion
The incident involving UA-2225 highlights the critical importance of crew training, adherence to safety protocols, and effective coordination with emergency services. The swift actions of the flight crew ensured a safe outcome despite the potentially hazardous situation. The exact cause of the smoke remains under investigation, and findings will inform any further safety recommendations.
Disclaimer
This report is based on all the evidence and facts available at the time of writing. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we apologise if any details are missed or are not fully accurate. If you are the rightful owner of any associated images and wish them to be removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.
