Boeing: 787 Dreamliner fire probe continues

Boeing said the investigation into a fire on a test 787 Dreamliner continues. Meanwhile, two other test 787s are being flown back to Seattle from Rapid City, S.D. and Victorville, Calif.

The two planes flying back were refueling and testing when the fire occurred on the 787 Dreamliner ZA002. As previously noted, Boeing has had a series of Dreamliner setbacks and the latest incident---a fire involving an insulation blanket---could put off further deliveries.

In a statement, Boeing said:

No decision has been reached on when flight testing of the 787 will resume. Before that decision can be made, we must complete the investigation and assess whether any design changes are necessary. Until that time, Boeing cannot comment on the potential impact of this incident on the overall program schedule.

Boeing added:

• The company has a "detailed understanding" of the incident, but more work remains.
• The fire lasted less than 30 seconds and the entire incident was 90 seconds.
• A 787 was configured so it could have returned to any airport.
• Boeing's team has completed the inspection of the ZA002 and is installing a new power panel and insulation. Minor structural damage is also being repaired.

Related:

• Boeing's 787 Dreamliner: Simply too complex?
• Boeing to delay 787 Dreamliner up to 10 months, report says
• Boeing delays Dreamliner deliveries over engine availability
• Boeing: 787 Dreamliner first delivery on track, but schedule under pressure
• Boeing 787 Dreamliner adds another 20 feet of length
• Boeing 787 loses thrust in an engine, lands early
• 787 clears initial airworthiness
• 787 Dreamliner designer on Boeing: ‘A designer is only as good as his client’
• Boeing 787 Dreamliner takes flight

This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com