History of the Flight
On Sunday, November 28, 1993, Northwest Airlines flight 434 (NWA 434), a Boeing 727-200, was parked at gate 33 at Montreal International (Dorval) Airport, Quebec. The flight was scheduled for a 0700 Eastern Standard Time departure to Detroit, Michigan. Boarding of 60 passengers began at 0625 and was completed at 0645. Push-back was initiated at 0647 and completed at 0650.
After brake application by the crew prior to engine start, a flight attendant who had just started the safety demonstration noticed smoke in the aft portion of the cabin. The lead flight attendant entered the cockpit and advised the flight crew of a fire. Passengers had left their seats and were standing in the aisle; the captain requested via PA that they remain calm and sit down, but they remained standing. The second officer was sent aft to evaluate the situation. At the rear, he noticed smoke coming from an overhead stowage bin above seats 28 D, E, and F. He lowered the aft stair and returned to the cockpit to inform the captain and gather more fire-fighting equipment. Flames appeared at the top of the bin door. A flight attendant donned a protective breathing equipment (PBE) smoke hood while another discharged a Halon fire extinguisher; the flames disappeared but smoke intensified and moved forward.
The first officer declared an emergency and requested emergency equipment. The second officer returned aft with a PBE and two fire extinguishers. Upon the captain's command, the lead flight attendant initiated evacuation. The first officer evacuated via the right cockpit window; the captain went into the cabin to assist. Evacuation used the front left main door escape slide. The second officer opened the bin door—no flames but a glow—and discharged a Halon extinguisher. He then requested firemen enter the aircraft to show the fire location. He and the captain evacuated via the slide at approximately 0654. The incident occurred in darkness.
Injuries to Persons
All six crew members and 60 passengers sustained minor or no injuries. No fatal or serious injuries were reported.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft sustained minor damage to the overhead bin and ceiling cover from fire and smoke.
Crew Information
The flight crew—captain, first officer, and second officer—held valid Airline Transport Pilot Licenses and were qualified for the flight. The cabin crew consisted of one lead flight attendant and two flight attendants, all qualified. During the emergency, one flight attendant had difficulty activating and donning the PBE.
Emergency Response
Communications between Dorval Ground, NWA 434, and rescue police units were normal. Voice commands were used; no intercom was used. The Dorval tower supervisor activated the crash bell at approximately 0652:43. Airport Emergency Response Services (ERS) personnel reached the aircraft within three minutes via taxiway Alpha. The response by the Montreal Urban Community Police Department, City of Dorval firemen, and Urgences-Santé took about five minutes due to lack of information; by then the fire was extinguished and evacuation complete.
Investigation and Fire Analysis
The investigation could not determine the cause of the fire. The fire originated within the stowage bin but outside a carry-on bag belonging to a flight attendant. Five airline blankets (100% polyester) were the original fuel source. The bin contained no aircraft systems (e.g., electrical wiring), and no aircraft system or failure contributed to the ignition source. No evidence of a match or cigarette was found. The Board stated all evidence indicated the fire was not accidental.
Meteorological and Other Information
At the time, low ceilings and visibility were present with light rain and fog. The aircraft was certified and maintained per regulations. The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) was recovered but the recording was overwritten; the flight data recorder (FDR) was not recovered. Some passengers suffered smoke inhalation but did not require hospitalization; others reported back stiffness from hard landings on the escape slide.