Straight from the horses mouth, Just remember the Airbus 380 flew great right out of the barn
SERVICE REQUEST ID: 1-2394399263
ACCOUNT: Boeing Correspondence (MOM)
PRODUCT TYPE: Airplane
PRODUCT LINE: 787
PRODUCT: 787-8
ATA: 0240-00
SUBJECT: 787-8 JA804A Diversion Event to Takamatsu, Japan - 16 January 2013
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On January 16th, a 787 operating scheduled serviced experienced what appears to be a main battery failure that resulted in a diversion. The airplane was on a domestic flight from Yamaguchi (UBJ) to Haneda (HND). The operator reported that the flight crew noticed several EICAS messages and noted an odor in the flight deck during cruise and subsequently diverted to Takamatsu (TAK). The airplane landed safely and passengers and crew evacuated via the escape slides. Initial reports indicate that there was one minor injury during the evacuation. Weather was reported to have been clear at the time of the event.
This event is being investigated by the Japan Transport Safety Board (JTSB). The NTSB has appointed a U.S. accredited representative to the investigation, and the FAA and Boeing will serve as technical advisers to the U.S. accredited representative. The U.S. team has dispatched to the scene today to assist the JTSB with their investigation. Per the provisions of ICAO Annex 13, all investigation related information will be released by the JTSB in this case. Boeing understands operator's need for information following events such as this. As such, we will strive to keep operators informed within the confines of Annex 13.
After landing, the main battery was found to have signs of damage as noted through visual inspection of the battery area. Visual inspection of the Forward EE bay and the subject Main Battery, along with review of EICAS and Maintenance Messages suggest a failure originating within the Main Battery. Initial photos and reports appear to indicate minimal damage to surrounding structure or systems. The airplane which experienced this event was delivered in January 2012.
As a result of this event, the affected 787 operator, and one other 787 operator, removed their 787 aircraft from service pending root cause identification and/or implementation of actions to minimize future occurrences. Boeing is working with the appropriate authorities to determine root cause and if any effective actions can be implemented to identify batteries that may be susceptible to premature failure. Boeing will share the results of these activities with all 787 Operators as they become available in accordance with the directives provided in Annex 13.
If you have further questions please contact your Boeing Field Service Representative, the appropriate Airline Support Manager or call the BCA Operations Center at (206) 544-7500. Attachments (when referenced) may be accessed by logging into MyBoeingFleet Service Requests or by contacting your Boeing Field Service Representative.
Chief Engineer - Air Safety Investigation
The Boeing Company
