An audio recording from the cockpit of an American Airlines plane unveils the tense moments when the crew called for emergency assistance due to a fire at the rear of the aircraft. The incident took place on Friday around 12:15 p.m. at San Francisco International Airport, just before the flight was scheduled to depart for Miami International Airport.
"Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!" a flight crew member urgently alerted from the cockpit, warning about the fire, as reported by Local 10. The plane, an Airbus A321-231 with registration N917UY, had left gate B17 with passengers already on board and was taxiing on the runway when the crew reported smoke in the cabin.
"There is a fire at the back of the plane. Send the rescue firefighters," requested the crew member, who immediately deployed the emergency slides. "They should be there in two minutes," responded an air traffic control employee.
The San Francisco Fire Department reported that three individuals sustained minor injuries and were treated at the airport. Flight AA2045 was scheduled to arrive in Miami shortly before 9 p.m. on Friday but did not make it.
According to data from FlightRadar24 and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) database, the involved aircraft is a 2015 model equipped with a V2533-A5 turbo-fan engine.
The airline later reported that the fire was caused by a laptop with a lithium-ion battery inside a passenger's bag. "The bag was swiftly removed by our crew, and all customers exited the plane. We thank our crew for their professionalism and apologize to our customers for the inconvenience," American Airlines stated in a release.
Safety Recommendations for Lithium-Ion Batteries
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), overheating can lead to fires in lithium batteries, and even explosions, when they are damaged or improperly used, charged, or stored.
The NFPA advises disconnecting a battery once charged, using compatible equipment, and discontinuing use if the battery is damaged, emits an unusual odor, produces excessive heat, makes popping sounds, swells, or changes color.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced an investigation into the incident.
Important Information on Lithium-Ion Battery Safety and Air Travel
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding lithium-ion battery safety and air travel, based on the recent incident involving American Airlines.
What caused the fire on the American Airlines flight?
The fire was caused by a laptop with a lithium-ion battery inside a passenger's bag.
How did the crew respond to the fire?
The crew immediately requested rescue firefighters, deployed emergency slides, and safely evacuated all passengers.
What are the NFPA's recommendations for lithium-ion battery safety?
The NFPA recommends disconnecting a battery once charged, using compatible equipment, and stopping use if the battery is damaged, emits an unusual odor, produces excessive heat, makes popping sounds, swells, or changes color.
Will there be an investigation into the incident?
Yes, the FAA has announced an investigation into the incident.