No. H122/02For release - November 14, 2002
OTTAWA — Transportation Minister David Collenette today acknowledged the Transportation Safety Board of Canada's (TSB) interim recommendations on the emergency landing of Air Canada flight 116 on May 13, 2002.
The emergency was declared due toan on-board fire in the cargo area that occurred while the aircraft was on final approach to Toronto's Pearson International Airport. After the fire was detected, the proper procedures were followed and the fire was extinguished. The plane landed safely and there were no injuries.
"I would like to recognize the importance of the work done by the Transportation Safety Board as it investigates this incident," said Mr. Collenette. "Canada has one of the safest aviation systems in the world, and Transport Canada works along with the TSB to help maintain our enviable safety record."
The TSB recommends that Transport Canada take action to reduce the short-term risk and eliminate the long-term risk of:
heater ribbon installation failures starting fires, and coordinate and encourage a similar response from other appropriate regulatory authorities; and
contaminated insulation materials and debris propagating fires and coordinate and encourage a similar response from other appropriate regulatory authorities.
"Aviation safety is a shared responsibility," said Mr. Collenette. "As Transport Canada is continually looking for ways to build on our strong safety record, we will carefully review these recommendations."
Presently, Transport Canada, through the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), has internationally recognized standards and regulations for fire detection and fire suppression. These include proposed regulations to further enhance safety standards in cargo and baggage compartments in the lower hull cargo holds of airliner-type airplanes that were pre-published in Part I of the Canada Gazette, October 5, 2002. As stated by the TSB report, the cargo fire detection system, its governing regulations and the emergency procedures followed by the crew, worked to protect the travelling public.
On May 24, 2002, Transport Canada confirmed that Air Canada immediately began inspection of its Boeing 767s. That inspection focussed on contamination cleanup, thermal tape, insulation blankets and insulated material. Transport Canada also requested and Air Canada has implemented a special Foreign Object Damage awareness training program. As part of its safety oversight program Transport Canada conducts regular announced and unannounced inspections of aircraft cargo compartments to verify compliance with the CARs and that cargo holds are free of debris.
Aircraft fire suppression is a complex issue that requires international cooperation among regulators, manufacturers and airlines. Transport Canada will continue to take a leadership role in bringing together international aviation authorities, including the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and the European Joint Aviation Authorities to begin developing an action plan to address the issues of material flammability and wiring properties. Transport Canada also plays a leading role in the International Aircraft Material Fire Test Working Group to improve wiring safety, and in the Aging Transport System Rulemaking Advisory Committee, to develop fire detection and suppression recommendations.
Transport Canada is committed to taking whatever appropriate action is required to protect the travelling public and will continue to work with the international community to achieve a consensus that reflects the concerns of the Department.
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Contact:
James BarryCommunications, Transport Canada(613) 993-0055
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