A Samsung Note 2 handset caught fire on a plane while it was landing at the Chennai airport on Friday morning, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The aircraft was coming from Singapore.
“While landing at the Chennai airport at 7.45 a.m., the cabin crew detected smoke from the handset kept in the overhead bin,” said a DGCA official.
An advisory would be issued to all airlines, asking them to tell passengers to either avoid or carry in the switched off mode all Samsung Note smartphones, the official said..
The DGCA has summoned Samsung officials on Monday. “Samsung wanted to take away the handset, but we didn't permit. We have asked them to meet us on Monday,” the official said.
"We are aware of an incident involving one of our devices. At Samsung, customer safety is our highest priority. We are in touch with relevant authorities to gather more information, and are looking into the matter," a Samsung spokesperson said.
IndiGo clarifies
IndiGo confirmed the incident to The Hindu, saying some passengers on 6E-054 flight noticed the smell of smoke and immediately alerted the crew, who quickly identified a minor smoke coming from the Samsung Note 2 in the baggage (of a passenger) and informed the Pilot-in-Command, who alerted the ATC of the situation.
After relocating all passengers to other seats as a precautionary measure, the crew discharged the fire extinguisher and quickly transferred the handset to a container filled with water in a lavatory.
The aircraft made a normal landing and all passengers were deplaned as per normal procedure. The handset would be examined by the departments concerned, IndiGo said, adding that it voluntarily informed the DGCA.
In a statement, the airline said they are 'thankful to its passengers for their vigilance and cooperation' extended to the crew.
