In-flight smoke incident during taxi at airport

Casualties unknown • Colorado Spring, CO, US

A flight crew evacuated an aircraft after smoke was reported in the cabin during taxiing to the gate following landing.

What happened

After landing and while taxiing toward the gate, the flight crew was notified by the flight attendant that smoke had entered the cabin. Upon receiving further details indicating the cabin was filled with smoke, the captain stopped the aircraft and engaged the parking brake. An immediate evacuation of all passengers and crew members was ordered and completed.

The flight attendant described the smoke as blue in color with an odor similar to burning oil.

The investigation

An examination of the aircraft revealed that a fan by-pass check valve within the right air conditioning pack had failed. This mechanical failure caused the air conditioning pack to overheat, resulting in the production of the smoke observed in the cabin.

Probable cause

The failure of a fan by-pass check valve in the right air conditioning pack which led to the overheating of the pack.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-04-17 Canadair CL-600-2B19 accident near Colorado Spring, CO?

A flight crew evacuated an aircraft after smoke was reported in the cabin during taxiing to the gate following landing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-04-17 involved a Canadair CL-600-2B19, registration N17231, operated by Mesa Airlines, Inc., at Colorado Spring, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of a fan by-pass check valve in the right air conditioning pack which led to the overheating of the pack.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040419X00477. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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