What happened
On June 11, 2006, a Boeing MD-82, registration I-DATG, departed from Milan Malpensa airport bound for Malaga with 117 people on board. During the initial climb, while passing through FL 230, the crew observed a "Fire Detector Loop" warning on the Overhead Alert Panel, specifically the amber "LOOP B" light for the right engine. No other fire-related warnings were activated.
Following the aircraft's checklist, the crew implemented the procedure for a fire detector loop annunciation without accompanying fire warnings. However, the crew interpreted the results of this procedure as a confirmed fire. Consequently, the commander initiated the emergency procedure for "ENG FIRE/SEVERE DAMAGE OR SEPARATION," which involved shutting down the right engine and discharging both fire extinguishing bottles.
The crew declared an emergency to Air Traffic Control and coordinated a return to Malpensa. The aircraft landed on runway 35R at a weight of 58,700 kg, which exceeded the maximum landing weight for the Boeing MD-82 (58,050 kg). Upon arrival, both ATC and airport fire services, along with cabin crew observations from the windows, confirmed there were no visible signs of smoke or flames.