Power bank-induced fire in aircraft cabin revisited

A video on a power ban- induced fire in an aircraft cabin recently trended in the social media, and this write up is intended to re visit it with the sole aim of drawing the attention of air travelers to the dangers associated with some attitudinal behaviour of travelers such as, above the law or bigmanism or outright disobedient conduct prevalent in this part of the world.

In that video, there was pandemonium over the fire incident because it came up suddenly midair. It was an experience no one wishes his or her enemy. The reason was that all those on board were faced with the reality that they were all in a compartment that was suspended in the air. Making use of the exit door at that time and from that height amounts to a suicide option. I was not on board, but I can only imagine that a lot of prayer warriors would have gone into action immediately. Do we have to get to that bus stop? I don’t think so. What was it that was left undone? This write-up will try to provide the answers and more.

Aviation is a global business governed by international conventions and regulations. Consequently, there is a standard practice that must be adhered to as prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, an agency of the United Nations on aviation.

In line with the ICAO recommended and standard practices, passengers travelling on domestic or local routes are expected to get to the airport one hour ahead of the scheduled time of departure, while international journey is three hours. This is to enable the passengers to undergo all the necessary checks or airport formalities. The screening commences from the time the prospective passengers arrive at the aerodrome. Screening is conducted on the passengers and on their bags and baggage. It is at this point that the passengers are educated on forbidden items on board aircraft and on what can lawfully be taken in or taken as a carryon luggage or to be checked in.

In an event such as the incident recorded in the video wherein a flammable item (power bank) was found on board the aircraft, then questions should be asked as to how such item found its way on board knowing full that items such as battery, gas, gun, knife, etc., are within forbidden lists that must not be taken on board without adequate clearance and authorisation. Questions such as, are the terminal building point of entry scanners working? Have the aviation security paid attention to their calling while checking in inbound and outbound passengers?

Another crucial question has to do with the airline’s checks. This is an addition to whatever levels of checks are provided and conducted by the airport authority. The buck of checks lies with the airlines because the safety of passengers is the responsibility of the airline and not anybody else. It’s airlines that pay compensation in the event of a breach of the terms of carriage or a crash.

Away from airlines comes the regulatory agency. The oversight body. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority in the case of Nigeria. The Authority is empowered in its enabling law, The Civil Aviation Act 2022, as amended, to regulate aviation for safe flight operations within, in and out of the country’s airspace. In addition, the NCAA is further empowered to make auxiliary laws for the regulation of the sector in the interest of safe and orderly air transportation. It is in the light of this mandate that the NCAA promulgated the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations 2015. These regulation weas first formulated in 2009 and were reviewed in 2012 before the current edition, which came into effect in 2015.

The amendment is prompted by the dynamism and changes in society and in the world of aviation. The technology and the aerodynamics involved in aircraft manufacturing are ever-changing. The personnel handling the flying machines also have to undergo regular training and retraining to be able to handle as appropriate and possess the know-how on what should be checked in an aircraft or otherwise.

It is important to mention that the oversight agency, NCAA, carries out its mandate through the issuance of safety certificates or licenses to service providers and the industry personnel after a satisfactory fulfilment of laid down requirements that would enable individuals and organisations to carry out the approved operations and services. NCAA officials also carried out regular inspections to ensure that the right things are being done.

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Whenever a breach is recorded, it becomes a subject of investigation with a view to establishing the contributing factors and preventing a recurrence.

The appropriate authorities in the sector, particularly the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, must at all times ensure adequate and regular training and retraining of personnel, strict implementation of appropriate regulations and enforcement of compliance with safety regulations. Yes, the Authority has been up and doing, but the airlines, NCAA and other major service providers must embark on a major educational media campaign for the education of air travellers on their rights, responsibilities and limitations.

Violations must be visited with appropriate sanctions to serve as a deterrent to others.

Once these are strictly enforced, the culture of safe flight operations will have been established in the country.