What happened
On March 15, 2015, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Boeing 777-300, registration PH-BVB, was operating flight KL875 from Amsterdam Schiphol to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. After landing and taxiing to the E1 parking stand, a fire broke out inside the aircraft. The source of the fire was identified as a lithium-polymer battery installed within a drone that had been stowed in an overhead compartment above a passenger seat.
The incident occurred after the passenger who owned the drone had disembarked to connect to another flight. A security officer at Suvarnabhumi Airport detected a burning smell and coordinated with explosive ordnance disposal personnel to inspect the baggage. The inspection revealed that the drone's battery had short-circuited and was on fire, emitting smoke. A flight attendant successfully extinguished the fire using the aircraft's portable fire extinguisher. There were no injuries or fatalities, and the aircraft sustained no damage.
The investigation
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Committee for the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Commission Thailand investigated the serious incident. The investigation focused on the cause of the battery failure and the compliance with regulations regarding the transport of dangerous goods, specifically lithium batteries, in passenger baggage.
Investigators determined that the aircraft's operation, weather conditions, and navigation aids were not contributing factors. The primary focus was on the nature of the Li-po battery and the circumstances of its transport. The report noted that while unlimited numbers of lithium batteries under 100 Wh are permitted, they must be protected from accidental activation or short circuits.
Findings
The investigation concluded that the serious incident was caused by bringing a drone onto the aircraft without removing the battery from the device itself. The changing pressure conditions during air transport affected the chemical reaction within the ready-to-use lithium-polymer battery, leading to an electrical short circuit. Additionally, vibrations during landing may have contributed to the failure.
The report highlighted that Li-po batteries are prone to explosions and fires if subjected to punctures, overcharging, or short circuits. It was found that the search of passengers and carry-on baggage at the departure airport for such items may not fully comply with EASA standards and regulations.
Safety action
Following the incident, several safety actions were implemented:
- KLM expanded its guidelines for cabin crew regarding the storage and monitoring of lithium batteries in safe locations. The airline also updated its Standard Fire Fighting Procedures to address lithium fires specifically.
- KLM issued expanded public guidelines to passengers regarding regulations and prohibitions on carrying various types of batteries, referencing IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.
- The Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) in the Netherlands increased inspections at check-in counters, boarding areas, and aircraft holds to monitor compliance with dangerous goods transport rules.
- Recommendations were made for the Civil Aviation Authority of the Netherlands to conduct more frequent inspections of air operators regarding the transport of dangerous goods.