Flight attendant and flight crew report on the events surrounding an in-flight fire in a portable passenger entertainment device.
Synopsis
Flight attendant and flight crew report on the events surrounding an in-flight fire in a portable passenger entertainment device.
Narrative
I was preparing the coach cabin for landing. I noticed that the passengers were looking forward. I was at about row 13 and a passenger told me to go to first class. I looked and noticed that the first class cabin was full of thick smoke. I ran up front and noticed a IFE (flight entertainment device) on the floor sparking; flaming; and smoking. It was located at seat 1B at the bulk head. I was told by the number three to get the fire equipment. I ran for the fire extinguisher. I noticed that the number one was using the water extinguisher and then I used my water extinguisher. I noticed the number four run up with a halon and then use it. I noticed the number three on the phone with the Captain. Shortly after I heard; 'prepare for landing.' I noticed the number three throw ice and liquid on the area. We started putting wet blankets on the area. I used a passenger water bottle and dumped it on the blankets. We moved the first row to other seats in the main cabin to get them away from the area and the fumes. I took my jumpseat for landing. My eyes and nose were irritated. The smoke caused me to cough and wheeze. The number three made a announcement that 'the fire from the movie player was contained' and the 'we would not be evacuating and that we would be going to the gate and deplaning normally.' We got to the gate and passengers deplaned normally and fire rescue was boarding at the same time. I remember personnel opening door 2L to get the smoke out. Fire rescue told me and the number three to get off the plane because of our coughing. I was told to go to the rescue vehicle outside of the jet bridge. I became dizzy and had to be taken off with a wheelchair and then was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation treatment.
Second reporter narrative
First Officer was flying; descending on the arrival; slowing to 250 KTS at 10;000 FT. The prepare for landing PA and sterile chime had been accomplished then the cockpit chime rang. I picked up the handset and was told by a Flight Attendant that there was a fire in the cabin accompanied by a large amount of smoke. I immediately told the First Office of the fire and directed him to declare an emergency and to go as fast as we could. He advised Approach and accelerated to max forward airspeed and continued the descent. I stayed on the interphone to get further information from the Flight Attendant and told the First Officer he had everything; (the airplane and the communication). I soon had more information that the fire was associated with a portable electronic device; and that the flight attendants were fighting the fire with multiple onboard fire extinguishers. As I received this information I relayed it to the AARFF personnel; with whom we were then in communication with as well as Tower on a discrete frequency. The Flight Attendant advised me the fire was out; I told her that we would not plan on evacuating. She responded 'OK; no evacuation.' I then advised AARFF the fire was out but we had smoke remaining in cabin; and that we were not planning to evacuate. With the cabin back under control I rejoined the First Officer to slow and configure the aircraft to land. We landed and exited the runway toward Taxiway Bravo. AARFF again asked our status. The First Officer called all stations on the interphone and all responded OK but smoky; and we had two flight attendants with breathing difficulty. We advised AARFF of the same and that we were going to taxi to the gate; and what we were requesting AARFF escort and medical assistance. Upon reaching the gate; we were met by emergency personnel and others. The passengers deplaned normally through the forward door. Two flight attendants were transported to the hospital via ambulance. I cannot say enough to commend my entire crew for their courage; composure; and professionalism in this event. All the flight attendants acted immediately; without hesitation; to control and extinguish this fire; preventing what could have quickly gotten out of control; posing a serious threat to the aircraft and all aboard. Also; I want to commend the First Officer for his professionalism and skill flying the aircraft to get us safely on the ground in as short a time as possible; while my attention was directed toward communicating with the cabin crew and the fire they were fighting.
NASA callback
The reporter states that the devise which caught on fire was a notebook sized video player. Apparently the device either became hot or the passenger just dropped it; but when it hit the floor it began sparking and smoking. In all three fire extinguishers were used to put the fire out; plus water from the galley and wet blankets. The battery seemed to keep reigniting the device whenever the water or halon was stopped; but eventually stayed out.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.