British Airways B772 near London on Nov 13th 2017, fumes on board
Last Update: September 13, 2018 / 14:38:32 GMT/Zulu time
Incident Facts
Date of incident
Nov 13, 2017
Classification
Accident
Cause
Fumes on board
Airline
British Airways
Flight number
BA-196
Departure
Houston, United States
Destination
London Heathrow, United Kingdom
Aircraft Registration
G-VIIJ
Aircraft Type
Boeing 777-200
ICAO Type Designator
B772
Passengers reported there had been fumes in the cabin causing health problems. One passenger indicated an odd odour almost immediately resulting in dizziness, nausea, confusion and difficulties to concentrate, another reported there was a burning electrical smell causing headache and feeling light headed. Cabin crew was wearing oxygen cylinders and breathing equipment, an announcement was made by the crew, other passengers around also noticed the odour and discussed the odour.
The airline reported the crew requested priority due to indication of a technical issue, the landing was normal.
On Sep 13th 2018 the AAIB released their bulletin without taking conclusions however releasing a clue as to the possible cause when reporting subseqent events:
Subsequent events
On 15 November 2017, at the beginning of the aircraft’s next intended flight, an oily smell became apparent as the left engine was started, and the aircraft returned to stand. Subsequent engineering work included the replacement of the APU and various components in the aircraft’s air conditioning system. However, during ground run checks fumes were again identified and the left engine identified as the source. The engine was checked in accordance with the Fault Isolation Procedure for ‘oil fumes / smoke in the cabin’ but, based upon the description of the event, the procedure for ‘fuel fumes /smoke in the cabin’ was not considered to be applicable. Inspections of the left engine’s compressors showed no evidence of oil. The left engine bleed air supply was isolated at the Pressure Regulating and Shut-Off Valve and the aircraft completed an uneventful flight to Seattle with the valve locked closed in accordance with the Master Minimum Equipment List on 18 November.
The following day, as the aircraft climbed through 8,000 ft after departing Seattle for Heathrow, the crew were alerted to a left engine overheat. Actions were taken in accordance with the Quick Reference Handbook and the pilots consulted the operator’s maintenance control at Heathrow using a satellite phone. Engine EGT and other parameters were normal, and it was concluded that the warning was spurious, so the flight continued to its destination. Examination of the aircraft after landing identified ‘sooting’, heat damage and a hole in the engine combustion chamber case, just aft of one of the fuel nozzles. (Editorial note: emphasis added by the editor)
The engine was removed pending further investigation by its manufacturer. Since the engine change the aircraft has operated without any further fume events.
The AAIB reported a subsequent engine examination by the manufacturer revealed:
The engine manufacturer established that a swirler retainer had detached because the weld had broken. The loose retainer eventually chafed through the fuel nozzle and the resultant fuel spray ignited, burning through the combustion chamber case. This caused an overheat indication that was successfully managed by the crew during the flight from Seattle.
The cause of the retainer detaching could not be established but extensive analysis and testing discounted the possibility of loose bolts or a weld deficiency; weld repairs were permissible but no such repair had been embodied on the failed component.
As result following immediate safety actions were taken by aircraft and engine manufacturer:
As a precautionary measure, all swirler repair schemes will be deleted from the engine overhaul manuals.
The Fault Isolation Procedure for smoke or fumes in the cabin has been amended. If the engine is identified to be the source of fumes or smoke, the revised procedure includes a requirement to inspect the fuel nozzles irrespective of whether the fumes are believed to be associated with oil or fuel.
Incident Facts
Date of incident
Nov 13, 2017
Classification
Accident
Cause
Fumes on board
Airline
British Airways
Flight number
BA-196
Departure
Houston, United States
Destination
London Heathrow, United Kingdom
Aircraft Registration
G-VIIJ
Aircraft Type
Boeing 777-200
ICAO Type Designator
B772
This article is published under license from Avherald.com. © of text by Avherald.com.
Article source
You can read 2 more free articles without a subscription.
Subscribe now and continue reading without any limits!
Read unlimited articles and receive our daily update briefing. Gain better insights into what is happening in commercial aviation safety.
Send tip
Support AeroInside by sending a small tip amount.
Related articles
British Airways B772 near Bahrain on Jun 5th 2012, hydraulic failure
A British Airways Boeing 777-200, registration G-VIIJ performing flight BA-125 from Bahrain (Bahrain) to Doha (Qatar), was climbing out of Bahrain…
British Airways A388 at Singapore on Apr 22nd 2024, weather radar failure
A British Airways Airbus A380-800, registration G-XLED performing flight BA-12 from Singapore (Singapore) to London Heathrow,EN (UK), was climbing…
British Airways A320 at Milan on Apr 4th 2024, engine shut down in flight
A British Airways Airbus A320-200, registration G-EUYD performing flight BA-568 from London Heathrow,EN (UK) to Milan Linate (Italy), was on approach…
British Airways A320 at Manchester on Mar 28th 2024, smoke in cockpit
A British Airways Airbus A320-200, registration G-EUUC performing flight BA-1396 from London Heathrow,EN to Manchester,EN (UK), was on approach to…
British Airways B772 over Atlantic on Mar 15th 2024, one of the pilots incapacitated
A British Airways Boeing 777-200, registration G-VIIP performing flight BA-2272 from New York JFK,NY (USA) to London Gatwick,EN (UK), was enroute at…
British Airways B773 near Singapore on Jun 16th 2023, turbulence causes injuries
A British Airways Boeing 777-300, registration G-STBL performing flight BA-12 (dep Jun 15th) from Singapore (Singapore) to London Heathrow,EN (UK)…
Newest articles
Red Air MD82 at Miami on Jun 21st 2022, runway excursion causes gear collapse on landing
A Red Air Dominicana McDonnell Douglas MD-82, registration HI1064 performing flight L5-203 from Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) to Miami,FL (USA)…
Southwest B737 near Dallas on Apr 25th 2024, engine shut down in flight
A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700, registration N793SA performing flight WN-4195 from Denver,CO to San Antonio,TX (USA), was enroute at FL410 about…
Subscribe today
Are you researching aviation incidents? Get access to AeroInside Insights, unlimited read access and receive the daily newsletter.
Pick your plan and subscribePartner
A new way to document and demonstrate airworthiness compliance and aircraft value. Find out more.
ELITE Simulation Solutions is a leading global provider of Flight Simulation Training Devices, IFR training software as well as flight controls and related services. Find out more.
Your regulation partner, specialists in aviation safety and compliance; providing training, auditing, and consultancy services. Find out more.
AeroInside Blog
Popular aircraft
Airbus A320Boeing 737-800
Boeing 737-800 MAX
Popular airlines
American AirlinesUnited
Delta
Air Canada
Lufthansa
British Airways