What happened
On 12 October 2025, a Boeing 737-8200, registration EI-ILN, was preparing for a scheduled flight from Krakow to Bristol. Following engine start and receiving taxi clearance, the aircraft began taxiing via taxiways Z and A toward runway 25.
During the taxi phase, prior to reaching taxiway A, cabin crew members located in the aft galley reported to the captain that smoke was emerging from the area containing the water heating boilers. Upon confirming that the situation posed a serious threat to safety, the captain declared a "mayday" and initiated an emergency evacuation.
Passengers were evacuated via the passenger stairs and through emergency exits located over the wings. During the evacuation process, one passenger sustained a lower limb injury while exiting via the wing and was subsequently transported to a hospital. Emergency services assisted with the evacuation and secured the aircraft. There were no injuries to the crew and no fatalities reported.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation team conducted an inspection of the aircraft and secured the water heating boilers for further technical examination. The investigators also interviewed the commander and cabin crew, performed photographic documentation, and secured cockpit voice and radio communications with airport services. Additionally, airport CCTV footage and aircraft documentation were collected for analysis.