Event Overview
On 16 June 2015, a Boeing 737-322 with registration LY-FLB, operated by SCAT, was involved in an aviation incident at Aktau Airport. The aircraft had just completed flight DV-742 from Astana to Aktau, landing at 13:18 UTC. After parking at stand 202 and passenger disembarkation, ground servicing began. The incident occurred while personnel were replenishing the aircraft's oxygen system.
Sequence of Events
Aircraft technician Petr P. Petrik decided to replenish the oxygen system using an external oxygen cart, assisted by technician A. Samoilov. They connected the external oxygen supply to the aircraft's oxygen bottle in the forward cargo compartment. During the process, a pop sound was heard, followed by a fire in the forward cargo hold. The technician attempted to use three fire extinguishers, but each hose burst. Airport fire crews arrived at 13:35 UTC and extinguished the fire by 14:01 UTC.
Damage
The aircraft sustained fire damage on the right lower side up to the passenger floor level. The skin and structure were burned between stringers S-24R to S-18R and STA 380 to STA 440, creating a damaged area approximately 150 cm by 120 cm. Additional burning and deformation occurred in adjacent areas. The oxygen fill line showed signs of high temperature exposure. A melted pool of debris on the ground was present. No damage to airport property was reported.
Injuries
Aircraft technician Petr P. Petrik suffered a thermal burn to the right elbow (first degree) and received first aid. No other injuries were reported.
Personnel
The flight crew consisted of Commander A. Tabashnikov and First Officer O. Tulegenov. The commander had a total of 16,774 flight hours, including 7,274 hours on Boeing 737 aircraft. The technician Petr P. Petrik was qualified and authorized for Boeing 737 servicing.