NTSB “very concerned”, 787 battery fire investigation continues, 787s remain grounded

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) (Washington) investigation of the battery fire on board a Boeing 787-8 of JAL-Japan Airlines (Tokyo) at Boston continues.

Deborah Hersman, chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board briefed the media yesterday (January 24) and according to this report by Reuters made it clear that “investigators have found a series of “symptoms” in the battery damaged in a January 7 fire in Boston, but not the underlying cause of the problem. She also said the agency would be looking at the design of the battery compartment area of the plane and whether the certification standards had been strong enough.”

“This is an unprecedented event. We are very concerned. We do not expect to see fire events on board aircraft. This is a very serious air safety concern.” as stated by Hersman.

According to Reuters, “Hersman, talking to reporters after the news conference, confirmed that there is no fire suppression system in the area where the battery burned, nor any way to access it in-flight.”

Bottom line: the 787 could be grounded for a while. Fires on board aircraft should not be happening and this statement now raises concerns about the FAA certification process of the aircraft.

Meanwhile Boeing issued this statement:

Boeing (Chicago) welcomes the progress being made in the 787 investigation discussed today by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in Washington, D.C. The regulatory and investigative agencies in the U.S. and Japan have dedicated substantial resources to these investigations, and we appreciate their effort and leadership.

Boeing continues to assist the NTSB and the other government agencies in the U.S. and Japan responsible for investigating two recent 787 incidents. The company has formed teams consisting of hundreds of engineering and technical experts who are working around the clock with the sole focus of resolving the issue and returning the 787 fleet to flight status. We are working this issue tirelessly in cooperation with our customers and the appropriate regulatory and investigative authorities. The safety of passengers and crew members who fly aboard Boeing airplanes is our highest priority.

In order to ensure the integrity of the process and in adherence to international protocols that govern safety investigations, we are not permitted to comment directly on the ongoing investigations. Boeing is eager to see both investigative groups continue their work and determine the cause of these events, and we support their thorough resolution.

Boeing deeply regrets the impact that recent events have had on the operating schedules of our customers and their passengers.

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