What happened
On 28 October 1999, an ATR-42-300 with registration G-BVJP, operated by Gill Aviation Limited under a wet-lease agreement for Braathelns Malmö Aviation, was performing a scheduled flight from Stockholm/Arlanda to Jönköping. Approximately ten minutes after departure, the flight attendant reported white smoke entering the cabin. Shortly after the aircraft leveled off at flight level 100, the onboard smoke warning system was triggered.
In response to the smoke, the captain initiated emergency checklists and elected to divert the flight to Linköping airport. While the aircraft landed safely without injury to the 43 passengers or the crew, the suddenness of the diversion meant the cabin was not fully secured for landing. Specifically, an emergency exit remained partially obstructed by service items.
The investigation
The Swedish Accident Investigation Authority (SHK) examined the mechanical cause of the smoke and the operational procedures during the diversion. A technician later identified a likely cause as a minor oil leak in the left-hand engine. However, the investigation was hindered because the aircraft operator failed to provide promised factual information to the SHK.
Investigators also scrutinized the crew configuration and the legality of the leasing arrangement. They found that the leasing authorization from the Swedish Civil Aviation Administration had expired several days prior to the incident.
Findings
- The smoke in the cabin was likely caused by an oil leak in the left engine.
- The suddenness of the landing decision left insufficient time for the cabin crew to secure the cabin, resulting in a partially blocked emergency exit.
- There was a lack of communication between the flight deck and the cabin crew regarding the status of the cabin prior to touchdown.
- The presence of a uniformed but unqualified purser created a confusing situation where a crew member appeared to have authority but lacked the training to perform essential flight safety tasks.