Incident Overview
On October 3, 2024, a Ryanair flight FR8826 operated by Malta Air encountered a critical incident requiring immediate evacuation. The flight, scheduled from Brindisi-Papola Casale Airport (BDS) to Turin-Caselle Airport (TRN), was halted during its take-off roll due to a fire detected in the aircraft’s right engine. The Boeing 737-800, registered as 9H-OCB, was carrying 184 passengers and crew members. Prompt action by the cabin crew and pilots facilitated a successful evacuation with no reported injuries.
Emergency Response and Evacuation
Upon detecting smoke and flames from the number two engine, the cabin crew alerted the pilots, who then shut down both engines and initiated an emergency evacuation. Passengers exited the aircraft using emergency slides and were safely guided to the runway’s grassy areas. Firefighting teams responded swiftly, applying fire retardants to subdue the engine blaze. This prompt and efficient response averted potential injuries and further damage to the aircraft.
Aircraft and Flight Details
The aircraft involved, initially registered as EI-FOP, was delivered to Ryanair in February 2016 and later transferred to Malta Air in November 2019, re-registering as 9H-QCB. Prior to the incident, the aircraft had completed multiple sectors between Turin and Brindisi. The age of the aircraft at the time of the incident was 8.7 years.
Subsequent Actions and Passenger Reaccommodation
Following the incident, Ryanair coordinated a replacement flight to accommodate the disrupted passengers. Flight FR2286, operated by a Boeing 737 MAX-8200 registered 9H-VUW, was dispatched from another location, arriving in Brindisi to transport passengers to their intended destination in Turin. Despite the delay, the passengers reached Turin approximately five hours later than initially scheduled, demonstrating Ryanair’s commitment to customer service and operational continuity.
Related Incidents and Safety Measures
Earlier in the same week, another Ryanair aircraft, a 737 MAX 8200, experienced a runway incident at Milan Bergamo Airport, where it suffered a blowout of all four landing gear tires during landing. This incident caused significant damage to the runway and highlighted ongoing safety challenges. Both incidents underscore the importance of stringent safety protocols and the airline’s responsive measures to ensure passenger safety under various circumstances.