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An ATSB report into a lithium battery fire on board a Virgin Australia flight has validated major airlines’ move to ban the use of portable power banks.
In its final report into the incident on 21 July, which saw a fire break out in overhead bins on board flight VA1528 from Sydney to Hobart, the ATSB found that a power bank in a passenger’s backpack had failed and entered a dangerous “thermal runaway” state.
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“While confirming the cabin was secure for landing, the cabin crew member heard what they described to the ATSB as a popping and hissing sound,” ATSB chief commissioner Angus Mitchell said.
“They then saw white smoke, then flames, emanating from an overhead locker above row 7.
“Cabin crew doused the flames with a fire extinguisher and, with assistance from some passengers, poured water on the bag until no smoke was emitted.”
Virgin, Qantas, and Jetstar have all since banned passengers from using or charging lithium power banks on board.
According to Mitchell, thermal runaways are “difficult to manage, particularly in aircraft in flight”, and Virgin cabin crew on VA1528 were unable to complete the airline’s lithium battery fire procedures, as the fire occurred shortly before landing when the cabin was being secured.
“With more devices carrying lithium batteries than ever, and as we enter a busy holiday season, it is important passengers understand and follow guidance provided by their airline around the packing and stowing of lithium battery devices,” he said.
“All passengers have a responsibility to ensure their lithium battery devices are packed safely and they are easily accessible in the cabin. Further, they should not be brought on board an aircraft if they show any signs of damage or deterioration.
“Airline procedures to manage battery fires are designed to limit the risk and reduce the likelihood of re-ignition of the battery until the aircraft can land, but it requires the batteries to be out of a bag and accessible to be easily completed.”
The power bank ban brings Australian carriers in line with moves by global airlines following a string of fires, including on a January Air Busan flight in South Korea, which caused minor injuries and destroyed an A321 at Gimhae International Airport.
Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Thai Airways, South Korean Airlines, EVA Air, and China Airlines are among the international carriers that have implemented bans on in-flight power bank use, while the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations require power banks to be carried in cabin baggage rather than the hold of the plane.
Many newer aircraft, such as Virgin’s 737 MAX 8, Jetstar’s A320/21neo, QantasLink’s A220s and Qantas’ A321XLR planes, feature in-seat charging ports for phones and other devices.
