Aircraft and Flight Details
• Operator: Total Linhas Aéreas
• Aircraft Model: Boeing 737-400 Freighter
• Registration: PS-TLB
• Flight Number: 0T-5682
• Route: Vitoria (SBVT), Espírito Santo, to São Paulo Guarulhos (SBGR), São Paulo, Brazil
• Date: 9 November 2024
Accident Summary
On approach to São Paulo Guarulhos Airport, Total Linhas Aéreas flight 0T-5682 encountered a fire in the cargo hold. The crew declared an emergency and maintained radio communication until approximately five minutes prior to landing. The aircraft safely landed on runway 28L but sustained significant fire damage. After landing, the fire visibly burned through the aircraft’s fuselage crown. Emergency services responded promptly, extinguishing the fire after penetrating the fuselage.
The two crew members evacuated the aircraft using cockpit escape ropes. Both escaped unharmed. The aircraft sustained severe structural damage and was deemed a total loss following assessment by the owner, Petrus Aviation LLC, and an insurance adjuster.
Sequence of Events
1. In-flight Fire Detection: The fire in the cargo hold was detected while the aircraft was descending towards São Paulo Guarulhos.
2. Emergency Declaration: The crew declared an emergency and continued the approach to runway 28L.
3. Loss of Communication: Radio contact was lost five minutes before landing; however, the transponder remained operational.
4. Landing and Response:
• The aircraft landed safely on runway 28L at Guarulhos Airport.
• The crew evacuated via cockpit windows using ropes.
• Emergency services extinguished the fire by cutting through the aircraft’s fuselage.
5. Post-Landing Operations: The runway remained closed for approximately eight hours while the cargo was unloaded and the aircraft was assessed. The damaged aircraft was later towed off the runway.
Aircraft Damage
The fire caused substantial damage to the aircraft, including burn-through in the fuselage crown. Following an assessment by Petrus Aviation LLC on 21 January 2025, the aircraft was declared a total write-off.
Investigation
Brazil’s Centre for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (CENIPA) has opened an investigation to determine the cause of the cargo fire and assess compliance with safety procedures.
Operational Impact
The closure of runway 28L led to operational disruptions at Guarulhos Airport. The following NOTAMs were issued:
• J0908/24: Runway 10R/28L closed due to aircraft on the runway (1502Z to 1700Z on 9 November 2024).
• J0907/24: Runway 10R/28L closed due to aircraft on the runway (1231Z to 1500Z on 9 November 2024).
Safety Considerations
This incident highlights the critical importance of:
1. Immediate response and adherence to emergency protocols during in-flight fire emergencies.
2. Efficient coordination between aircrew and airport emergency services to ensure swift evacuation and fire suppression.
3. Thorough investigation into the root causes of in-flight cargo fires, including cargo loading procedures, fire suppression systems, and compliance with dangerous goods regulations.
Conclusion
The quick actions of the crew and emergency services ensured no injuries occurred during this serious incident. However, the substantial damage sustained by the aircraft and the potential hazards posed by in-flight fires underscore the importance of continuous improvements in cargo safety and fire prevention measures.
Disclaimer
This report is based on information available at the time of writing and posting. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness or absolute accuracy of the information provided. If you are the rightful owner of the photo or information and wish it to be taken down, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.
