Incident Overview
On April 8, 2010, a Cathay Pacific Airways Boeing 747-400 aircraft, registered as B-HOV, was parked at the gate at Charles de Gaulle Airport (LFPG) in Paris, France, after completing a regularly scheduled passenger flight from Hong Kong International Airport (VHHH). While the ground power unit was being connected, a fire broke out in the avionics bay. The aircraft had 326 passengers and crew members on board; no injuries were reported.
Investigation
The French Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses pour la Sécurité de l’Aviation civile (BEA) is conducting the investigation into the incident. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has assigned an Accredited Representative to assist under the provisions of ICAO Annex 13, as the United States is the State of Manufacture and Design of the airplane.
Aircraft and Flight Details
The aircraft involved was a Boeing 747-400, registration B-HOV, operated by Cathay Pacific Airways. The flight originated from Hong Kong International Airport (VHHH) and terminated at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG/LFPG). The fire occurred while the aircraft was stationary at the gate, during the connection of external ground power. No further details regarding the extent of damage or the specific cause of the fire have been released by the investigation authority at this time.