If you wish to contribute or participate in the discussions about articles you are invited to join SKYbrary as a registered user

B732, Manchester UK, 1985 (AW FIRE)

From SKYbrary Wiki

Jump to: navigation, search
Summary
On 22nd August 1985, a B737-200 being operated by British Airtours, a wholly-owned subsidiary of British Airways, suffered an uncontained engine failure, with consequent damage from ejected debris enabling the initiation of a fuel-fed fire which spread to the fuselage during the rejected take off and continued to be fuel-fed after the aircraft stopped, leading to rapid destruction of the aircraft before many of the occupants had evacuated.
Event Details
When August 1985
Event Type AW, FIRE
Day/Night Day
Flight Conditions On Ground - Normal Visibility
Flight Details
Aircraft BOEING 737-200
Operator British Airtours
Domicile United Kingdom
Type of Flight Public Transport (Passenger)
Origin Manchester
Intended Destination Corfu International
Flight Phase Take Off
TOF
Location - Airport
Airport Manchester
General
Tag(s) Inadequate Airworthiness Procedures
Inadequate Aircraft Operator Procedures
Ineffective Regulatory Oversight
Inadequate Airport Procedures
FIRE
Tag(s) Fire-Fuel origin
Fire-Power Plant origin
EPR
Tag(s) Emergency Evacuation
“Emergency” declaration
Slide Malfunction
RFFS Procedures
CS
Tag(s) Cabin furnishings fire
Evacuation slides deployed
Cabin air contamination
Flight Crew Evacuation Command
AW
System(s) Airframe
Communications
Equipment / Furnishings
Fire Protection
Emergency Evacuation
Contributor(s) OEM Design fault
Damage Tolerance
Component Fault in service
Corrosion/Disbonding/Fatigue
Outcome
Damage or injury Yes
Aircraft damage Hull loss
Non-occupant casualties Yes
Injuries Many occupants
Fatalities Many occupants
Causal Factor Group(s)
Group(s) Aircraft Technical
Safety Recommendation(s)
Group(s) Aircraft Operation
Aircraft Airworthiness
Airport Management
Investigation Type
Type Independent

Contents

Description

On 22nd August 1985, a B737-200 operated by British Airtours, a wholly-owned subsidiary of British Airways, suffered an uncontained engine failure, with fire spreading to the fuselage during the rejected take off, causing rapid destruction of the aircraft before many of the occupants had evacuated.

Summary

About 30 seconds after the aircraft began its take-off roll, as the airspeed passed 125 kts231.5 km/h
64.25 m/s, the left engine suffered an uncontained failure, which punctured a wing fuel tank access panel. Fuel leaking from the wing ignited and burnt as a large plume of fire trailing directly behind the engine. The crew heard a "thud" and, believing that they had suffered a burst tyre or bird strike, abandoned the take-off immediately, intending to clear the runway to the right. They had no indication of fire until 9 seconds later, when the left engine fire warning occurred. After an exchange with ATC, during which the fire was confirmed, the commander warned his crew of an evacuation from the right side of the aircraft, by making a broadcast on the cabin address system, and brought the aircraft to a halt.

The wind carried the fire onto and around the rear fuselage. After the aircraft was stopped, the hull was penetrated rapidly and smoke, possibly with some flame transients, entered the cabin through the aft rear door which was opened shortly before the aircraft came to a halt. Subsequently fire developed within the cabin. Despite prompt attendance of the airport fire service, the aircraft was destroyed and 55 persons on board lost their lives.

Related Articles

Further Reading

For further information:

Retrieved from "http://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/B732,_Manchester_UK,_1985_(AW_FIRE)"
Personal tools