A333, en-route, near Bournemouth UK, 2012

A333, en-route, near Bournemouth UK, 2012

Summary

On 16 April 2012, a Virgin Atlantic A330-300 made an air turnback to London Gatwick after repetitive hold smoke detector warnings began to occur during the climb. Continuing uncertainty about whether the warnings, which continued after landing, were false led to the decision to order an emergency evacuation on the runway. Subsequent investigation found that the smoke warnings had all been false and had mainly come from one faulty detector. It also found that aspects of the way the evacuation had taken place had indicated where there were opportunities to try and improve passenger behaviour.

Description

On 16 April 2012, an Airbus A330-300 (G-VSXY) being operated by Virgin Atlantic Airways on a scheduled passenger flight from London Gatwick to Orlando USA with an augmented crew began to receive intermittent aft cargo hold smoke warnings whilst in the climb. The corresponding drill was accomplished, a PAN call made and a return to Gatwick for an overweight landing was commenced. The intermittent smoke warnings continued but otherwise the turn back was uneventful. After stopping on the runway, an emergency evacuation was ordered in which two of the 317 occupants were seriously injured. No signs of fire or smoke were evident to the attending Rescue and Fire Fighting Services.

Investigation

The event was investigated by the UK Aircraft Accident Investigation Branch (UK) (AAIB). The Investigation noted that aircraft commander had been the PF for the flight and that although the operating crew were experienced pilots, in both cases their time on the aircraft type involved was low - in the commander’s case just 155 hours.

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