A B757 Flight Crew diverted due to an uncontrolled leakage from a cabin lavatory.
Synopsis
A B757 Flight Crew diverted due to an uncontrolled leakage from a cabin lavatory.
Narrative
Shortly after takeoff the Flight Attendants advised me that we had an aft lavatory that was leaking fluid and that they were trying to contain it with blankets and after about thirty minutes it was still leaking. I contacted Dispatch and was patched through to Maintenance. They gave us several suggestions on what to do. None worked and I was getting concerned about where all this fluid might be going and what aircraft systems it could affect not mention the mess it was making. I advised our Dispatcher that we would be landing at [a foreign airport] as it was along the route of flight. We declared an emergency and landed overweight at 209.0 lbs. (max landing wt is 198.0 lbs.). Made an uneventful landing and after checking brake temps taxied to ramp. Maintenance checked and placarded the lavatory and did an overweight landing inspection. After the plane was cleaned and serviced we continued on to destination. ATC; I think; was confused as to the fact we were declaring mayday or emergency for overweight landing. After landing; the foreign FAA required us to submit a report on this event before we were allowed to depart.
Second reporter narrative
I concur 100% with the Captain's statement. Aircraft integrity was in question due to uncontrollably leaking lavatory. Reviewed QRH and flight manual; as well as conferred with Dispatch and Maintenance. Diverted and declared emergency due to overweight landing. Maintenance inspected aircraft and placarded lavatory inoperative. No leaking to cargo or aft section of airplane. Overweight landing inspection completed. Met with the foreign FAA and gave written statements.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.