Incident Overview
On 17 May 2012, a serious incident occurred involving an Airbus A320 aircraft. While cruising at flight level 370 (FL370), the cabin experienced a decompression. The flight crew attempted various measures to restore cabin pressure, but these were unsuccessful. Consequently, the crew requested an emergency descent within the Sofia Flight Information Region (FIR).
Events During Descent
As the aircraft began its emergency descent, the passenger oxygen masks deployed automatically. Passengers observed smoke and sparks emanating from an oxygen generator located above their heads. The generator then dislodged and fell onto the cabin floor, still hot, igniting the carpet and producing flames and additional smoke.
Crew Response
Cabin crew members promptly used fire extinguishers to suppress the fire, preventing its spread. After landing, because smoke persisted in the cabin, the flight attendants initiated an emergency evacuation using the aircraft's escape slides. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew.
Investigation and Cause
The investigation into the serious incident was transferred to the Bulgarian Commission for Investigation of Accidents and Incidents in Civil Aviation in 2012. The Polish State Commission for Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL) was informed that the final report was incomplete due to personnel changes within the Bulgarian commission. The cause of the incident was not determined. No remedial actions were taken by the investigating body. The commission commented that further investigation of this incident would not yield findings significant for improving aviation safety.