Flight History
On 15 June 2016, Jet Airways ATR 72-500 aircraft VT-JCL was scheduled to operate flight 9W-2839 from Bangalore to Mangalore. The crew reported for duty and prepared the aircraft, which was parked at Bay 28. After starting the right engine in hotel mode and pushback, the left engine was started. The aircraft taxied via taxiway H and A to holding point A1.
Takeoff from Runway 27 occurred at 0429 UTC. Shortly after takeoff, at about 4500 feet, the master caution warning illuminated briefly. The crew checked parameters and found no abnormalities. At approximately 6000 feet, the cabin crew informed the pilots of light white smoke in the passenger cabin. The pilots instructed the cabin crew to search for the source and advised passengers to adopt protective breathing positions. The smoke intensified, but the source could not be identified.
The crew performed smoke checklists, made a PAN PAN call to ATC, and decided to return to Bangalore. At about 1200 feet during approach, the No. 2 engine fire warning activated. The crew discharged both fire bottles and shut down the engine. A MAYDAY call was given. The fire warning ceased when the aircraft was at 200–100 feet AGL. The aircraft landed on Runway 27 at 0453 UTC on a single engine.
Emergency evacuation was conducted on the runway. Passengers in seats 1A and 1F opened the exits. Cabin crew assisted and evacuated after all passengers. The first officer and pilot-in-command evacuated last. Emergency vehicles arrived promptly. The aircraft was towed to the stand at 0513 UTC, and runway operations resumed at 0521 UTC, causing delays to five departures and seven arrivals.
Injuries to Persons
According to the report, no crew members were injured. Three passengers sustained minor injuries. No fatal or serious injuries were reported.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft suffered no damage except to the right engine due to fire. Initial inspection revealed cracked No. 6 and 7 bearing vent tubes and a fractured blade on the second-stage power turbine.