Flight History
On 8 November 2013, a Ryanair Boeing 737-800, registration EI-DPF, departed from Tangiers Airport (Morocco) at 19:25 UTC en route to Niederrhein Airport (Germany). The aircraft carried 175 passengers and 6 crew members, totaling 181 persons onboard. During climb, smoke was observed above the overhead compartment in row 12 left. The flight crew declared an emergency due to smoke in the cabin and diverted to Seville Airport (Spain). The aircraft landed safely on runway 27 at 19:47 UTC and exited via taxiway E-3, where it came to a halt.
Emergency Response
Emergency services, including firefighters, boarded the aircraft but found no signs of fire or smoke. The captain decided to disembark passengers on the taxiway. Passengers left the aircraft normally and were transported to the terminal. Approximately four hours later, passengers boarded another aircraft to continue to their destination. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew, and the aircraft sustained no damage.
Investigation Findings
The investigation, conducted by the CIAIAC (Comisión de Investigación de Accidentes e Incidentes de Aviación Civil), determined that the incident resulted from deteriorated tape on three connections between the overhead distribution duct and the sidewall riser ducts. The adhesive on the tapes had degraded, causing the joints to loosen. Air flowing through the loose connections stirred up dust accumulated in the overhead panels, creating a white, thick, odorless, and cold substance that the cabin crew identified as smoke.
Safety Recommendations
The investigation report included two safety recommendations: one directed at Ryanair and another at Aena-Seville Airport, aimed at preventing similar occurrences.