B757-200 flight crew reported they were informed lavatory smoke alarms had activated for no apparent reason. After resetting the alarms twice; a faint haze was detected in in the cabin and the flight crew elects to divert to the nearest suitable airport.
Synopsis
B757-200 flight crew reported they were informed lavatory smoke alarms had activated for no apparent reason. After resetting the alarms twice; a faint haze was detected in in the cabin and the flight crew elects to divert to the nearest suitable airport.
Narrative
Flight departed and climbed to cruise altitude without incident. Shortly after reaching cruise altitude; an aft Flight Attendant called stating that the aft-fwd lavatory smoke alarm was going off. A passenger emerged from the lavatory shortly after the alarm was heard. Flight Attendant reported that the detector had not been tampered with; nor had the passenger smoked a cigarette. The detector was reset by the Flight Attendant. Several moments later a different passenger used the same lavatory and the smoke detector again sounded. This was relayed to the cockpit and the Flight Attendant was instructed to again reset the detector. A few minutes later a call from a forward Flight Attendant; relayed that she could see smoke or a haze in the aft cabin. A very faint acrid odor was detected in the cockpit. The Smoke/Fire/Fumes QRH was begun and the possibility of a diversion was discussed. The aft Flight Attendant could not locate a fire source. After the QRH; the smoke in the aft cabin appeared to have gotten thicker according to a forward positioned Flight Attendant. An emergency was declared and we decided to divert to the nearest suitable airport. An approach briefing and discussion with ATC on runway availability ensued. A cabin advisory was issued to the Flight Attendant's. A normal landing and runway exit was accomplished. Fire trucks and the Control Tower detected no exterior smoke or flames. Shortly after touchdown cabin air cleared. Aircraft was shutdown normally and passengers were deplaned via stairs.
Second reporter narrative
Climbed to cruise altitude and leveled off. The operation was normal up to this point. Roughly 10 minutes after leveling off; a Flight Attendant called from the rear of the aircraft. She explained that the aft-forward lavatory. Smoke alarm was going off with a passenger in the lavatory. After the passenger came out; it was determined that smoking or terrorism was not a factor. Flight Attendant said the smoke alarm was not tampered with and the detector was reset by the Flight Attendant. A different passenger used the same lavatory and the smoke detector was activated again. The Flight Attendant contacted the cockpit and the Flight Attendant was instructed to again reset the detector. A few minutes later the forward Flight Attendant called the cockpit and said that a smoke or a haze was present in the aft cabin; but the source could not be located - a very faint; acrid odor was detected in the cockpit. The Smoke/Fire/Fumes QRH was initiated and diversion options discussed. After the QRH; the smoke in the aft cabin was reported to be worsening. An emergency was declared and a decision to divert to the nearest suitable airport was initiated. ZZZ was the chosen due to its proximity and current weather. An approach briefing and discussion with ATC on runway availability ensued. A cabin advisory was issued to the flight attendants. A normal landing and runway exit was completed without incident. Fire rescue and the Control Tower personnel completed a thorough inspection and no indications of fire or smoke were detected - both engines were running at idle. Shortly after touchdown cabin smoke/haze dissipated. Aircraft was shutdown normally and passengers were deplaned via stairs.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.