B777 flight crew reported smoke in the cockpit during cruise flight. Crew noticed 'Equip Cooling R' status message while conducting checklists and diverted for a normal landing.
Synopsis
B777 flight crew reported smoke in the cockpit during cruise flight. Crew noticed 'Equip Cooling R' status message while conducting checklists and diverted for a normal landing.
Narrative
While en route; smoke was observed in the cockpit. The crew promptly donned their oxygen masks at 100%; established communication; and executed the Smoke; Fire; or Fumes checklist.The Relief First Officer was recalled from rest so that all three crew members were present in the cockpit. This allowed for a comprehensive assessment of the situation; including a discussion of safety concerns and evaluation of available options.Observations: • No EICAS cautions or warnings were noted during the incident. • An Equip Cooling R" status message populated during the event.The smoke diminished rapidly and dissipated completely within 10 minutes. Accordingly; the crew completed the Smoke; Fire; or Fumes checklist; which provided the following guidance:• Continue the flight at the Captain's discretion.• Restore unpowered items at the Captain's discretion.• Execute the Smoke or Fumes Removal checklist if necessary.No unpowered items were restored; and the Smoke or Fumes Removal checklist was left open in case we needed it.Coordination and Decision-Making:The Dispatcher was then contacted to arrange a conference call with Maintenance. Dispatcher organized a call that included Maintenance Control and Chief Pilots. After reviewing the information from the call; the crew reconvened to reassess their options.After careful consideration; the decision was made to [request priority handling] and divert to the nearest suitable airport; ZZZZ.Landing and Post-Incident Actions:The aircraft executed an uneventful landing in ZZZZ; where CFR (Crash Fire Rescue) personnel met the aircraft. No active heat source was identified upon inspection; and all crew members were evaluated by medical personnel."
Second reporter narrative
Captain was Pilot Monitoring; Relief Pilot was in crew rest inside the bunk; there was one jump seater sleeping in the aircraft right supernumerary seat.The Captain and I both observed a change in sound in the cockpit followed by a noticeable air pressure surge. A second noticeable sound occurred and a brief discussion of a possible valve opening or closing was started. Immediately during the second sound event; we observed smoke between our seated position and the glare shield/instrument (flight display) area thinly clouding the cockpit. We also noticed a unique smell. The Captain verbalized 'smoke' and instinctively; I verbalized 'oxygen mask'. Within seconds we both had our O2 masks donned and were checking the audio panels for crew communication; completing the Phase One Immediate Action items for smoke in the cockpit. The Captain began an assessment of our situation. Establishing crew communication; we had a brief confirmation discussion of what we observed. The Captain said he has the airplane and called for the Smoke; Fire; or Fumes checklist. I began reading the Non-Normal check list. We noticed that the smoke was not thick or substantial at that time. During the check list items the Captain pushed the Crew Rest call to recall the Relief First Officer from his crew rest; back to the flight deck. I continued the check list items down to the evaluation of smoke/fume portion and began a discussion of our assessment. The Relief Pilot entered the cockpit and observed us with oxygen masks donned. The Captain instructed the Relief Pilot to don his O2 mask and the Relief Pilot was already reaching for the observers seat mask location. The Captain briefly informed the Relief Pilot of the occurrence; and the Relief Pilot responded that he does not observe any smoke nor any noticeable smell in the cockpit. I am not certain at what time point; but the Captain noted that there is a status message indicating EQUIP COOLING FAN R displayed. We evaluated the current smoke/fume condition in the cockpit including the Relief Pilot's initial feedback. It was determined that the smoke/fume were decreasing which closed the loop and completed the Non-normal check list. We talked about some possible reasons for the smoke and that there is a second check list if the situation should escalate. The Smoke or Fumes Removal NNC (Non-Normal Checklist) was pulled up so we could review it; but was not completed. The Captain said that he will call Dispatch on the SAT comm and returned the aircraft to me (PF again).The Captain directed the Relief Pilot to inform our jump seater that we had smoke/fumes in the cockpit. We were just passing position 30 West. The phone call to Dispatch tied us in with Maintenance Control and a lengthy discussion occurred. I took over the ATC communication to check in with our next control sector ZZZZ. The phone call dropped and we called again. This time there were a few more people include on the SAT comm revisiting the sequence of events. They were unable to reach the Chief Pilot to join the discussion. The Captain; Relief Pilot; and myself discussed diverting to the nearest suitable airport and the Captain asked Dispatch what the field conditions were for possible options. ZZZZ; ZZZZ2; and even ZZZZ3 were discussed. All options were well over one hour flight time away from our current position. As we continued flying west bound; it was evident that ZZZZ became the best nearest suitable airport. The Captain informed Dispatch and others that we will be [requesting priority handling] and divert to ZZZZ.Once the phone call ended; the Captain became the PF and I informed ZZZZ that we are [requesting priority handling] and will be deviating to ZZZZ. ZZZZ cleared us direct to ZZZZ and asked pertinent questions. The Captain set course direct to the airport and I proceeded to get the current field conditions and computer our APS (Airplane Positioning System) for landing. Shortly after Dispatch messaged us the current weather at destination. Also asking us if we will be jettison fuel for landing. We determined that we do not need to jettison fuel and we will be under max landing weight upon arrival at ZZZZ. We chose Runway XX and the data performance allowed us that possibility. ZZZZ called us stating that emergency and medical crews will be standing by upon arrival. The descent; approach and landing were uneventful. SOP. After landing the Control Tower directed us for parking. Once in the chocks; emergency crews boarded the airplane. The Captain asked them to do a heat scan in the cockpit; and actually to scan the entire airplane. It was performed and the Captain was informed that there were no readings of hot spots of visible fire/smoke. We asked to be evaluated by the medical team.Upon completion of the post flight evaluations; we powered down the airplane completely. We disembarked; closed the door and proceeded to go to a nearby hotel.Cause: Smoke in the cockpit; at night; over the ocean.Suggestions: Good question.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.