Air carrier flight crew reported cargo compartment fire warning during descent. After landing; inspection did not find any fire.
Synopsis
Air carrier flight crew reported cargo compartment fire warning during descent. After landing; inspection did not find any fire.
Narrative
On descent into ZZZ; we received a Main Cargo Fire indication. I was Pilot Flying. I called for the checklist and Captain immediately began running it. The weather was clear skies with no turbulence. He [requested priority handling] with ZZZ Approach. As we approached 10;000 feet; I told the Captain that I was going to keep the speed up below 10;000 feet and get to the runway ASAP. He acknowledged me and around the time we were turning base to final; the Main Cargo Fire message went away. After landing; we remained on the runway with engines running while CFR (Crash Fire Rescue) did an exterior inspection. They came up on Tower frequency and told us that there was no indication of a fire. After they cleared off; we told Tower that we would like to taxi to our ramp. CFR followed us to parking and we had a brief conversation with them; after we shut down. They did an excellent job and were at the airplane within 3 minutes of us having come to a complete stop on the runway. We were not sure what caused the Main Cargo Fire warning; as we discussed possible causes during our debrief. There was an Equip Overheat message displayed on EICAS. Maintenance told us that there were 3 fan messages that he was able to see when he used the maintenance panel for a more in depth analysis; but he didn't believe that was the cause. We were also carrying approximately 450 kgs of dry ice. I have personally carried much more than that and never had any issues. Captain and I worked very well together and during our debrief; we both agreed that we handled the situation well and there wasn't much we would have done differently. As an aside; we started the trip with a low speed RTO (Rejected Takeoff); due to a tripped generator. We went to Service Area and Maintenance deferred the right generator. We turned on the APU and continued to ZZZ with the APU running.Cause: Main Cargo Fire EICAS warning.Suggestions: Dry Ice location on the main deck; possibly.
Second reporter narrative
Flight began with a low speed rejected takeoff due to R GEN DRIVE and subsequent R GEN OFF (repeat write-up) EICAS messages. Taxied to maintenance service area where maintenance deferred the Right IDG (Integrated drive generator). Per the MEL the APU was left running for the flight. Second takeoff attempt was normal. First Officer was the flying pilot. During descent into ZZZ (approximately 40 miles west of the airport) passing through 12;000 ft we received Main Deck Cargo Fire warning. I executed the required QRC items; [requested priority handling] with ZZZ Approach; and began the QRH procedures. As the airplane depressurized; the fire indications extinguished; returned; then extinguished (and remained extinguished) for the remainder of the flight. We flew a high airspeed descent for a visual approach to ZZZ. Aircraft was stopped on the runway and ZZZ CFR (Crash Fire Rescue) inspected the plane. No signs of fire were present. We taxied to the gate and shut down. Outstanding job by my First Officer. He should be commended for his excellent work on this flight.Cause: Upon arrival confirmed no evidence of smoke or fire. Performed several test with no faults. System checks good. The aircraft was carrying almost 1000 lbs of dry ice in position 4 which is believed to set off the alarm. Ok to continue service at this time.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.