Boeing 787 Dreamliner Aircraft Grounded for Electrical Issues – Japanese Airlines Ground 2 Fleets

Citing issues with the electrical system, two of Japan’s largest airlines have now grounded their entire fleet of new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The grounding comes after an Air Nippon Airways 787 Dreamliner was forced to make an emergency landing after receiving a cockpit message indicating battery issues accompanied by a burning smell.

According to reports the emergency landing was uneventful as the 787, the newest airplane from Boeing, landed safely at Takamatsu airport in western Japan. All 129 passengers and crew onboard were ok, although one passenger reportedly suffered a minor hip injury when going down the emergency evacuation slide.

The Dreamliner has been heralded by Boeing as a technological marvel featuring the latest in advanced aircraft design and technologies. The airframe incorporates composite materials for added strength and reduced weight, while the engines are more efficient and quieter.

The problem currently grounding the fleet pertains to the use of Lithium batteries instead of traditional batteries. The use of such batteries in flight conditions is new and appears to have some issues to overcome. According to ANA, an inspection of the 787 which made the emergency landing, found leaking electrolyte and burn marks around the main battery which is in an area below the cockpit.

The first deliveries of the 787 Dreamliner aircraft had been delayed from Boeing over a number of technical glitches. Among them were reports of battery fires. While glitches are common during the first few years of service for new aircraft types, the current issues facing Boeing are potentially very serious if not rectified.

At a press conference in Tokyo, ANA executives apologized saying, “We are very sorry to have caused passengers and their family members so much concern.”

Japan Airlines (JAL) has also grounded their 787 fleet while the issues are addressed. This week, inspections are under way for a 787 operated by JAL which had leaked fuel at Tokyo’s Narita airport after flying back from Boston, where it had also leaked fuel.

The NTSB is reported to be sending an investigator to Japan to join the investigation, while the FAA said the incident will be included in a comprehensive review it began last week of the 787’s critical systems, including design, manufacture and assembly.

A spokesman for Boeing, Marc Birtel said that, “Boeing is aware of the diversion of a 787 operated by ANA to Takamatsu in western Japan. We will be working with our customer and the appropriate regulatory agencies.”