A power bank caught fire on a Ural Airlines flight en route to Istanbul, causing a brief panic among passengers and crew. The incident occurred shortly after the Airbus A320, with tail registration RA-73833, departed from Koltsovo Airport in Yekaterinburg on February 22 for flight U6773.
Cabin Crew’s Swift Action Prevents Escalation
According to reports, smoke began emanating from a passenger’s power bank, which was being used to charge a mobile phone. The device quickly ignited, but the cabin crew responded promptly and professionally to extinguish the flames.
“A passenger’s power bank started smoking on the plane. We managed to put out the device thanks to the coordinated and professional actions of the cabin crew-instructor. The aircraft continued its normal flight and landed safely at Istanbul Airport,” Ural Airlines stated in an official announcement.
Fire extinguishers were used to bring the flames under control. Following this, the device was placed in a metal container and cooled with water. The passenger who owned the power bank sustained minor injuries and received immediate first aid on board. The passenger reportedly did not file any complaints regarding the incident.
Flight Continues to Istanbul After Incident
Despite the in-flight emergency, the flight continued as planned, and the aircraft made a safe landing at Istanbul Airport. The airline commended its crew for their quick and coordinated response, which ensured the safety of all on board and prevented a more serious situation.
This incident highlights the potential risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in power banks, during air travel. Airlines typically have strict regulations regarding the carriage and use of such devices to mitigate these risks.
The aircraft involved was an Airbus A320, a widely used short-to-medium-range commercial passenger jet. The flight was from Yekaterinburg, Russia, to Istanbul, Turkey, a popular route for both business and leisure travelers.
Previous Incidents and Safety Concerns
This is not an isolated incident; similar events involving power banks and other electronic devices have been reported on flights worldwide. Aviation authorities and airlines continue to emphasize the importance of adhering to safety guidelines for electronic devices, including carrying power banks in carry-on luggage and avoiding their use if they show signs of damage or overheating.
The quick thinking and effective training of the Ural Airlines cabin crew were crucial in managing the situation effectively, ensuring that the flight could proceed to its destination without further complications.
The incident serves as a reminder for passengers to be vigilant about the condition of their electronic devices and to report any anomalies to the cabin crew immediately. Airlines, in turn, are continually reviewing and updating their safety protocols to address such emerging challenges.
The safe conclusion of this flight underscores the rigorous safety standards and emergency procedures in place within the aviation industry, which are designed to handle unforeseen circumstances and protect the lives of passengers and crew.
Source: https://haber.aero/aero-gundem/istanbul-seferini-yapan-ucakta-powerbank-alev-aldi/
