Delta Air Lines plane forced to land unexpectedly due to onboard battery inferno
A Delta Air Lines Boeing 757 experienced a battery fire while flying from Atlanta to Fort Lauderdale, prompting an emergency landing in Fort Myers, Florida. The incident, which occurred on Flight 1336 with 191 passengers onboard, has left no reported injuries, according to the airline.
Smoke was reported in the cabin of the aircraft, but no active fire is reported at this moment. The pilot suspected that a lithium battery caused the smoke and the subsequent fire. The burning battery has been contained and is now in a containment bag.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the incident. The FAA allows most consumer personal electronic devices with lithium-ion batteries in both checked and carry-on luggage, but spare batteries are only permitted in bags passengers take into the cabin with them.
FAA regulations regarding the transportation of lithium-ion batteries on commercial flights emphasise safety due to the fire risk these batteries pose if damaged or improperly handled. Spare lithium-ion batteries must be carried in carry-on luggage only; they are not allowed in checked baggage. Lithium-ion batteries installed inside devices, such as laptops, phones, and tablets, can be carried in either checked or carry-on bags, but it is recommended to keep such devices powered off and preferably in carry-on luggage for safety.
Size limits apply to spare batteries: batteries up to 100Wh have no limit on quantity but must be protected against short circuits. Batteries between 101Wh and 160Wh are limited to two per person with similar protections. Batteries over 160Wh are prohibited without special HAZMAT compliance and airline/operator approval. These regulations are in response to increased incidents of lithium battery-related fires, primarily occurring in the cabin rather than cargo holds, where fires are easier to detect and manage.
Airline passengers and crew are prohibited from traveling with lithium batteries or devices identified by manufacturers as defective for safety reasons. The Delta spokesperson expressed gratitude for the quick actions of the crew and apologised for the delay in passengers' travels.
[1] FAA. (n.d.). Lithium Batteries. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe/lithium_batteries/ [2] FAA. (n.d.). Lithium Battery-Related Incidents. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/avs_3_standards/avs_3_1_electronic_systems/media/lithium_battery_incidents/ [3] TSA. (n.d.). Lithium Batteries. Retrieved from https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/lithium-batteries [4] FAA. (2021, February 11). FAA Prohibits Transportation of Lithium Battery-Powered E-scooters on Airplanes. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=26416
[1] The smoke incident on the Delta Air Lines Boeing 757, which was suspected to be caused by a lithium battery, highlights the potential fire risk that lithium-ion batteries pose in the aerospace industry, particularly in the finance-dependent airline sector.
[2] Given the increased incidents of lithium battery-related fires, it's crucial for individuals to adhere to regulations set by bodies like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regarding the transportation of lithium-ion batteries, especially aboard commercial flights.
