Smoke In Cabin: After SpiceJet's Emergency Landing At Hyderabad, DGCA Issues Strict Measures

In addition, the aviation regulator requested that the low-cost airline complete a one-time boroscopic inspection of all 28 engines within one week.

Representational Image. (Source: File Photo)

Following an emergency landing in Hyderabad earlier this month due to smoke in the cabin from oil leakage in the AC, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has instructed SpiceJet to send oil samples to engine maker Pratt & Whitney every 15 days, news agency ANI reported.

In addition, the aviation regulator requested that the low-cost airline complete a one-time boroscopic inspection of all 28 engines within one week.

“Spicejet aircraft VT-SQB was involved in an incident of 'smoke in cabin' during descent necessitating an emergency landing at Hyderabad. The passengers were safely evacuated with the assistance of cabin crew and airport staff," the DGCA statement was quoted by ANI on its official Twitter handle.

Spicejet aircraft VT-SQB was involved in an incident of 'smoke in cabin' during descent necessitating an emergency landing at Hyderabad. The passengers were safely evacuated with the assistance of cabin crew and airport staff: DGCA pic.twitter.com/amZwtrKNQK

— ANI (@ANI) October 17, 2022

The mishap occurred during the descent of Spicejet flight VT-SQB, prompting an emergency landing in Hyderabad. With the assistance of cabin crew and airport personnel, the passengers were safely evacuated.

According to airport personnel, a full emergency was declared and all protocols were followed. “The aircraft was later towed to the remote gate,” an official had said.

During the weekly check, the airline has also been instructed to evaluate the bleed-off valve screen and casing for evidence of oil dampness.

Directives Issued By DGCA

SpiceJet was told to immediately implement the following actions on the whole Q400 fleet, which consists of 14 operating aircraft (28 PW150A engines):

1. Engine oil samples will be collected and delivered to Pratt & Whitney Canada for analysis using the PW150A OIL ANALYSIS TECHNOLOGY to determine the presence of metal and carbon seal particles.
2. Examine the bleed-off valve screen and housing for signs of oil dampness.
3. Furthermore, Spicejet has been ordered not to send any engines to Standard Aero- Singapore until the investigation is concluded.
4. Engine oil samples will be extracted every 15 days, rather than every 30 days, and forwarded to Pratt & Whitney Canada for PW150A OIL ANALYSIS TECHNOLOGY to determine the presence of metal and carbon seal particles.
5. Boroscopic inspection of all operating engines in one week, and completion of boroscopic inspection on three engines supplied from Standard Aero, Singapore, by tonight.
6. During each weekly check, verify the bleed-off valve screen and housing for evidence of oil dampness.
7. On reporting of fault 938 in the Central Display system, which is otherwise a class 2 defect and requires inspection within the next 65 flight hours, immediate check of Magnetic Chip Detectors (MCD) for the presence of any metal particles is required.

(With ANI Inputs)