United declares full emergency after cargo hold fire alarm activates

UNITED BOEING 787-9 N29978 (MSN 66137)

United Airlines flight UA32, traveling from Narita International Airport (NRT/RJAA) in Tokyo, Japan, to Mactan–Cebu International Airport (CEB/RPVM) in the Philippines, experienced a fire alarm in the aft cargo compartment while cruising at FL340 over the Pacific Ocean south of Japan at 18:30 local time. The flight declared an emergency, diverted to Kansai International Airport (KIX/RJBB) in Osaka, and successfully made an emergency landing on runway 24L at 19:08 local time.

The aircraft exited the runway via taxiway Alpha 9 and stopped on taxiway Papa at the intersection with Alpha 12. An emergency evacuation using slides took place on the taxiway from 19:29 to 19:41 local time, resulting in five passengers sustaining minor injuries such as bruises or scratches. Some passengers reported panic among others due to a burnt smell in the aft cabin.

No fire extinguishing actions were taken, although the ARFF was on standby at the scene. Both runways, 24L and 24R, were closed. Runway 24R reopened at 20:15, while 24L resumed operations much later at 02:30 the following morning after the Boeing was towed to a designated area. As a result of the runway closures, two flights were canceled, four arriving flights were diverted, and one arriving flight returned to its departure airport.

The plane was carrying 142 passengers and crew 

Aircraft Information:

Airline: United Airlines

Code: UA/UAL

Aircraft: Boeing 737-824

Registration: N39297

Serial Number: 34003

Engines 2 x CFMI CFM56-7B26
First Flew: 8 October 2005
Age: 24.11 Years