What happened
On July 24, 2016, an Airbus A320-200, registration B-22317, operated by B's Airways, was performing a scheduled passenger flight from Taichung/Wuqi Airport to Macau International Airport. The flight was carrying 107 occupants, including 2 flight crew members, 6 cabin crew members, and 99 passengers.
During the climb phase, while passing over Magong, the crew reported smoke and a burning odor emanating from the aft galley (G5) water heater. The cabin crew responded immediately by switching off the relevant power sources, using a fire extinguisher to suppress the smoke, and pulling the circuit breakers. The flight crew monitored the situation and, after confirming that the smoke had dissipated and the source was controlled, decided to continue the flight to the destination. The aircraft landed safely in Macau at 16:04 without further incident.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the cause of the smoke and the adequacy of the crew's response. Investigators examined the water heater, a DR4101 model manufactured by B/E Aerospace, and reviewed maintenance records. The investigation found that the aircraft's maintenance history showed no prior issues with the galley equipment, and the water heater had no recent records of repair for malfunctions.
Technical analysis of the water heater's power module revealed that the failure was linked to the manufacturing process of the printed circuit board (PCB). The investigation also reviewed the flight crew's decision-making process and the cabin crew's emergency procedures, finding them to be in compliance with airline and flight manuals.