EMB-145 flight crew reported battery over-temp indications and inadequate QRH guidance; resulted in a complete aircraft shutdown on hardstand with prolonged delay getting passengers deplaned. Flight crew stated failure of operations to provided assistance resulted in unsafe passenger situation.
Synopsis
EMB-145 flight crew reported battery over-temp indications and inadequate QRH guidance; resulted in a complete aircraft shutdown on hardstand with prolonged delay getting passengers deplaned. Flight crew stated failure of operations to provided assistance resulted in unsafe passenger situation.
Narrative
After landing safely on RW XXL in ZZZ the 'After Landing' checklist was completed followed by asking the FO to start the APU. Once we crossed RW XXC we called Ramp for a Taxiway 1 entry. Shortly thereafter we received BATT 2 OVTEMP EICAS Master warning message. Thankfully as we crossed Spot XX on the ramp we noticed a Firetruck on the hard stand near spot XY. My FO quickly requested the Hardstand. We were assigned XX via XY. We were facing East. After calling the ramp my FO immediately followed the QRC checklist followed by the QRH checklist. We continued to monitor the battery temp which was rapidly rising from 70 degrees C to 99 degrees C within less than two minutes. We asked ramp to send the firetruck over. It only took them a minute or less as they heard us on the radio and were prepared to respond. As we monitored the battery temp; it continuously rose. Since there was no further guidance in the QRH; I decided to call Chief Pilot 1 with no answer and then Chief Pilot 2 with no answer; however; a text from Chief Pilot 1 was received immediately. He immediately called back. I could hear both Chief Pilot 1 and Chief Pilot 2 on the line. I explained to them the situation and told them that the battery temp was still rising asking for a suggestion on what to do next since the battery was still getting hotter. We collectively agreed that shutting down the plane was best; however we knew it was not ideal. At the same time my FO and I noticed that Battery 1 was at 50 degrees C and was getting hotter as well. Once plane was shut down Chief Pilot 2 and Chief Pilot 1 started working with ZZZ opps to get buses and airstairs to the aircraft as soon as possible. We agreed to touch base with each other in 10 mins time to give updates. During this time we opened windows and the galley door. I updated the passengers; asked them to stay calm and that we would be deplaning on the ramp soon. I then grabbed water bottles and cups and gave water cups to whoever wanted them; starting from back to front of the plane. The FA guarded the open galley door. Once more personal showed up; I asked the FA to continue giving out water while I coordinated through the Galley door. It took the buses about 15-20 mins to arrive but unfortunately had to wait for airstairs for 50 mins. We kept being told by ZZZ ops that stairs were on the way. That amount of time was unacceptable and being told they were on the way over and over for that long did not help the situation.I did; while on the call with Chief Pilot 2 and Chief Pilot 1; hear them requesting busses and stairs to which they were continually being questioned by opps. Action by opps should have immediately taken place; instead of them questioning the chief pilots.I appreciate Chief Pilot 2 and Chief Pilot 1 for their support; insight; and effort in assisting with getting the passengers off the plane and into the busses.Unfortunately the Airstairs taking that long to arrive made this a more unsafe situation than it needed to be.
Second reporter narrative
After landing on runway XXR at ZZZ; we turned on the APU. While taxiing to the gate; approximately five minutes after activating the APU; we received a battery over-temperature master warning on the EICAS; indicating a battery temperature of 70°C and rising. The captain was taxiing; so I contacted ramp control to request a hard stand due to the battery issue. I then pulled out the QRC and ran the checklist; followed by the QRH procedures.We asked ramp control to send fire and rescue to inspect the battery compartment. They used heat guns and initially gave us a thumbs-up; but they were unable to get an accurate reading due to the gun reflecting off the metal. Monitoring the electrical page on the Multi-function Flight Display; we observed that even after turning off the battery; the sensor indicated a rapid temperature increase from 70°C to 99°C within two minutes. We informed fire and rescue; who then called for additional fire trucks to monitor the situation.As battery two started heating up past 50°C; we decided to turn off the entire plane; which resulted in a loss of power and air to the cabin. To provide airflow; we opened the galley door and windows. Although we were assured that stairs and buses were on their way; it took 50 minutes for them to arrive. Once the air stairs and buses were in place; everyone deplaned and was transported to the gate.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.