A passengers iPad device overheated and caught fire as a Hawaiian Airlines A330-200 was making an arrival into Portland on 20 September 2024.
Hawaiian airlines flight HA26, operated by an Airbus A330-200, was inbound from Honolulu Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. As the aircraft was on descent into Portland International Airport, flight crew reported that a passengers iPad device had caught fire in the cabin.
Hawaiian Airlines HA26 Honolulu-Portland
The aircraft continued its approach to the destination airport where it landed without incident on a runway 28L.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the incident, stating that the aircraft landed safely at Portland International Airport at approximately 0845 local time.
Flight Details
Flight data shows that flight HA26 made an on-time departure out of Honolulu at 1228 local time on 20 September. The flight had then proceeded normally, climbing to flight level FL410 (41,000 feet) for the transpacific service into Portland, Oregon.
Descent procedures were conducted normally, and the approach procedure was similarly carried out normally following the advice of the cabin incident.
The aircraft conducting the HA26 service from Honolulu was an Airbus A330-200, registered N388HA. This is a 12.4-year-old wide-body aircraft belonging to the carrier Hawaiian Airlines. It has been in operational service with the airline since its initial delivery from the factory in May 2012.
Factors that can cause a battery in an iPad to burst into flames:
- Short Circuit: This can occur if the battery’s positive and negative terminals come into direct contact, often due to damage or improper repair.
- Overheating: Excessive heat can cause the battery’s internal components to degrade and eventually short circuit. This can happen due to factors like prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, charging while using the device heavily, or defective charging equipment.
- Manufacturing Defects: In rare cases, batteries may have manufacturing defects that can lead to internal failures and potential fires.
- Physical Damage: Dropping or crushing the device can damage the battery and its internal circuitry, increasing the risk of short circuits and overheating.
- External Factors: Exposure to extreme temperatures, moisture, or corrosive substances can also contribute to battery failure.
The in-flight incident will now be the subject of an FAA investigation.
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