A power bank exploded on Ural Airlines’ Ekaterinburg–Istanbul flight. The cabin filled with smoke and the fire was extinguished. The aircraft landed safely in Istanbul.
Terrifying Minutes on Istanbul Flight
Moments resembling a horror film unfolded on a passenger aircraft flying from Russia to Istanbul. On Ural Airlines’ 22 February Ekaterinburg–Istanbul flight, a passenger’s power bank exploded, and the cabin quickly filled with smoke.
The risk of lithium-ion battery-related fires, which has frequently been on the agenda in the aviation sector recently, once again turned into a serious hazard.
Explosion Heard 20 Minutes After Take-Off
According to available information, the Ural Airlines Airbus A320 aircraft that departed from Ekaterinburg narrowly avoided disaster just 20 minutes after take-off.
An explosion was first heard inside the cabin, followed by the rise of dense smoke. At the centre of the incident was a power bank, used to charge a mobile phone and left on the adjacent seat.
As a result of the explosion, the passenger seat upholstery and seatbelt were damaged. The passenger attempting to retrieve the device sustained burns to the left thumb.
Life-Saving Intervention by Cabin Crew
The spread of smoke inside the cabin caused brief panic. However, the cabin crew intervened within seconds.
Flight attendants extinguished the burning device using a fire extinguisher. In accordance with international procedures applied in lithium battery fires, the power bank was then placed in a metal container filled with water to cool down and to prevent the risk of re-ignition.
Pilot Did Not Change Course
After the smoke in the cabin was ventilated and the situation was completely brought under control, the captain decided not to alter the flight plan.
The aircraft landed safely at Istanbul Airport as scheduled.
It was learned that the passenger, who was lightly injured, refused medical assistance and thanked the cabin crew.
Investigation Launched in Russia
Following the incident, the Russian aviation authority officially classified the case as an “aviation incident” and launched an investigation.
The development has once again brought to the agenda the recent power bank fire that broke out in the overhead compartment of a South Korean Air Busan aircraft.
Will a Power Bank Ban Come Into Effect?
It is being debated worldwide whether new restrictions will be introduced on carrying portable charging devices on flights.
Russian authorities stated that it is too early at this stage for a general ban, while aviation safety experts note that rules regarding the carriage of lithium-ion batteries in the cabin could be tightened further.
In the aviation sector, the question is clear: Will new global regulations be introduced before the next incident occurs?
