A TAP Air Portugal flight was forced to declare an emergency and return to London Gatwick Airport just minutes after takeoff when a fire broke out in an overhead luggage compartment, with investigators later blaming an electronic cigarette for the incident.
Mid-Air Emergency Declared Over Smoke Detection
Flight TP1329, an Airbus A320 bound for Porto, transmitted a Squawk 7700 emergency code after cabin crew detected smoke emanating from one of the overhead bins during the initial climb phase. The aircraft had not yet reached 10,000 feet when the crew, stationed at the rear of the plane, noticed a strong burning smell and immediately alerted the purser.
Chaotic Scene as Passengers Block Aisle
During the emergency, approximately twelve passengers stood up and obstructed the aisle, complicating the crew's response efforts. Cabin staff quickly located the source of the smoke—a piece of hand luggage that had caught fire in the overhead storage. Using a portable fire extinguisher, they rapidly doused the flames, causing the smoke to dissipate.
Swift Return to Gatwick for Safety Inspection
The aircraft executed a loop maneuver, as shown by flight-tracking data, before landing back at Gatwick approximately fourteen minutes after departure. Emergency responders were already positioned on the ground, and passengers disembarked safely. The plane was then moved to a remote stand for a thorough technical assessment by the firefighting team, who removed the affected luggage for further investigation.
Investigation Points to E-Cigarette as Cause
The Lisbon-based Office for the Prevention and Investigation of Accidents in Civil Aviation and Rail conducted an inquiry into the February 8 incident, releasing findings that identified an e-cigarette device inside the hand luggage as the cause of the fire. A photograph published by investigators revealed a charred hole in the side of the bag, highlighting the potential for a more serious disaster had the crew not acted promptly.
Flight Resumes After All-Clear Given
Following confirmation of the wellbeing of all passengers and crew, along with a comprehensive safety inspection, the aircraft was cleared to continue its journey to Porto. The flight eventually landed nearly three hours behind schedule, concluding the dramatic event without injuries.
The Airbus A320 involved in the incident has a capacity of up to 180 passengers, though the exact number on board during the emergency was not immediately disclosed. This incident underscores ongoing concerns about the risks associated with electronic devices in aviation, particularly as e-cigarettes can pose fire hazards if not properly stored or handled.
