What happened
On June 11, 2022, a Wizz Air Hungary Kft flight traveling from Poland to Bergen Airport Flesland, Norway, encountered a fire in the forward cabin during its descent. The incident involved an Airbus A320-232, registration HA-LWZ.
As the aircraft began its approach, passengers alerted the cabin crew to smoke and flames originating from a passenger's mobile phone. The device had experienced a thermal runaway, a process where internal temperatures rise rapidly, leading to a self-sustaining chemical reaction. During an attempt to remove the battery, the passenger sustained minor injuries consisting of small burns.
Upon being notified, the flight crew declared a "MAYDAY" emergency. The cabin crew immediately implemented lithium-ion battery fire protocols, utilizing water, BCF fire extinguishers, breathing apparatus, and fireproof gloves. The crew successfully cooled the device with water to suppress the smoke and flames. To prevent reignition, the destroyed phone was placed in a metal container filled with water and secured in an aft lavatory for the remainder of the flight.
The investigation
The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSIA) examined the sequence of events and the effectiveness of the emergency response. The investigation focused on the mechanics of the lithium-ion battery failure and the adequacy of the onboard equipment used to manage the thermal runaway. The NSIA reviewed the operator's specific fire kits, which include heat-resistant gloves, specialized extinguishers, and fire-resistant containment bags.
Findings
- The fire was caused by a thermal runaway within a passenger's cell phone, which released toxic and flammable gases.
- The cabin carpet sustained damage from the fire.
- The crew's rapid response and use of appropriate cooling and containment methods prevented the incident from escalating.
- While the crew acted effectively, the NSIA noted that the high temperatures and hazardous gases associated with such failures require specialized protection.
Safety action
The NSIA recommends that all passenger transport operators equip both the cockpit and the cabin with easily accessible fire-protective gloves to ensure crew members can handle lithium-ion battery failures without delay. Additionally, the authority emphasizes the importance of regular training regarding thermal runaway handling procedures.