What happened
On June 24, 2008, Continental Airlines flight CO-120, a Boeing 757 with registration N18117, was operating a passenger service from Newark (KEWR) to Barcelona (LEBL). While cruising at flight level 360, approximately 30ºW, the crew noticed a light smoke and an odor of burning electrical wires in the forward section of the passenger cabin.
Following the detection of the smoke, the flight crew performed the appropriate emergency checklists. Although the smoke dissipated, the crew elected to divert the aircraft to Lajes Airport (LPLA) as a precautionary measure.
The investigation
Upon landing at Lajes, maintenance personnel inspected the aircraft to identify the source of the odor and smoke. The inspection revealed a short circuit within a video monitor belonging to the in-flight entertainment system, specifically located above passenger seats 1E and 1F.
Following the discovery, the faulty system was deactivated. The aircraft was able to continue its flight in accordance with the Minimum Equipment List (MEL). The GPIAAF noted that while an investigator was initially appointed to evaluate the event, the investigation was ultimately closed and archived as the incident did not meet the mandatory reporting criteria for a formal investigation under applicable European and national regulations.