What happened
On October 10, 2014, a Bombardier DHC-8-400 operated by Eurolot SA was involved in an incident within the Warsaw TMA (EPWA). The aircraft had completed its first flight of the day, and the crew reported no irregularities during engine start, landing, or taxiing to the parking stand.
As passengers were exiting the aircraft, smoke was observed emerging from beneath the magnetic compass housing. Within two to three seconds, a flame appeared. The crew responded by using a cockpit fire extinguisher to suppress the fire, which was successfully extinguished by the first officer. Following the incident, the crew notified technical services and recorded the event in the aircraft logbook while awaiting maintenance personnel to secure the aircraft.
Notably, the crew did not initiate the FUSELAGE FIRE or SMOKE or ON GROUND EMERGENCIES checklists, as an evacuation was not deemed necessary.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation focused on the origin of the smoke and flame within the cockpit instrumentation area. The investigation examined the electrical connections and the materials used in the wiring insulation near the magnetic compass.
Findings
The investigation established that the fire was likely caused by excessive carbon content in the insulation material used for the wires connected directly to the magnetic compass.
Safety action
Following the incident, Eurolot SA conducted inspections of the magnetic compass lighting connections on all other Bombardier DHC-8-400 aircraft within its fleet. The manufacturer received the damaged cables and insulation for specialized testing, and an explanatory procedure has been initiated with the manufacturer.