After a business class (Club World) seat caught fire owing to an overheated mobile phone, a British Airways flight heading for London Heathrow Airport (LHR) was forced to divert to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) in Alaska.
On October 1, 2023, Flight BA8 took off from Tokyo's Haneda Airport (HND). The event occurred three hours into the flight.
A business class passenger's phone slid between the crevices of the reclining seat, which pushed forward when the person attempted to grab it. In the process, the phone's lithium battery was crushed, causing the handset to overheat and sear the seat.
In its pre-flight safety video, the airline advises passengers not to move their seats if an electronic device is misplaced, instead recommending they seek the assistance of a cabin service member.
The cabin staff was able to put out the fire and vent the business class section. However, because they were still unable to locate the mobile phone, they decided to divert and transmit a Pan-Pan call to Anchorage air traffic controllers.
A Pan-Pan call (Possible Assistance Needed) in aviation indicates that assistance is needed but that the situation does not represent an imminent threat to anyone's life or aircraft.
The 787-9 Dreamliner safely landed in Anchorage, Alaska, two hours later before continuing on to Toronto, Canada. It finally arrived in London 30 hours late.
According to a British Airways representative, the incident was confirmed to the Daily Mail, and there was no danger to the crew or passengers.
Let’s Link on my Social Media
SUPPORT INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM
Your assistance enables us to produce high-quality, independent, open, and transparent media. No matter how little, every reader's contribution is vital for the future Thanks.
EU Plane Spotters brings you high-quality aviation videos and LIVE steam. visit our social media platforms Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & TikTok for more content.
