B737-800 flight crew reported a passenger advised flight attendant of electrical arcing/sparks coming from panel on wing. Flight diverted.
Synopsis
B737-800 flight crew reported a passenger advised flight attendant of electrical arcing/sparks coming from panel on wing. Flight diverted.
Narrative
At approximately XA:15 am during cruise; we received a call from one of the flight attendants notifying us that a passenger had video recording of what appeared to be electrical arcing/sparks coming from a panel on the right wing. I granted the FA access to the flightdeck so I could review the recording; and determined there was electrical arcing. The location of arcing was seen along a panel seam located adjacent to the number 2 engine just aft of the cowling/wing spar. My initial instruction to the cabin crew was to periodically monitor that location and immediately notify us of any changes.Given that we were still over an hour from ZZZZ with mountainous terrain ahead and limited diversion options given our location; the First Officer and I deemed the safest course of action was an immediate right turn towards the mainland. The nearest suitable alternate at this time was ZZZ1; so we coordinated this as our diversion alternate. Approaching top of descent; ATC made us aware that ZZZ1 was in holding and the airport was closed due to another arriving aircraft. At this point; factoring in time to destination; ZZZ now made the most sense; so we shifted our diversion there. We were not sure what the nature of the arcing was; and assuming the potential for smoke or fire I elected to advise ATC; so we could ensure priority handling from ATC. Out of an abundance of safety I elected to have ARFF (Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting) meet us at runway XX in ZZZ so we could have an exterior assessment that there was no imminent fire or combustion threat before bringing the aircraft to the passenger terminal.During this diversion; there did not appear to be any applicable QRH/Non-normal procedure; but we closely followed all other applicable policies and procedures for a diversion/mechanical irregularity. Fortunately this did not require an engine shutdown; and there were no injuries or further damage to the aircraft.Cause: Mechanical. Unsure of cause.
Second reporter narrative
Received notification in cruise while over the ocean that a passenger saw sparks from the right wing and a video was shared depicting sparking near where the engine fairing met with the right wing. All flight indications normal. We were unsure what would be causing that. We turned back towards the US/land while making a diversion plan.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.