What happened
On 28 February 2011, an Embraer EMB-135ER, registration G-RJXJ, was performing a commercial passenger flight when the crew observed cockpit indications of a fire within the baggage compartment during the landing roll. Following the procedure, the pilots taxied the aircraft away from the runway and stopped on a taxiway, subsequently issuing a PAN call to request emergency services.
As part of the emergency checklist, the commander directed the 24 passengers to evacuate the aircraft immediately via the standard exits, instructing them to leave any cabin baggage behind. To investigate the alert, a crew member inspected the hold through an opening in the lavatory floor. The inspection revealed only a cloudy appearance within the compartment, with no visible flames or smoke.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the fire alert and the condition of the baggage hold. Emergency services arrived at the scene but found no evidence of an actual fire. The investigation focused on the source of the cloudy appearance and the cause of the sensor activation.
Findings
- The investigation established that the cloudiness observed in the hold was likely the result of a fire extinguisher discharge into the baggage compartment.
- The operator suggested that the incident may have been triggered by water entering one of the fire detection sensors.