Airbus A330 Smoke Warning

Early in the flight the A330 crew received a series of smoke warnings from the aft cargo hold and the Captain elected to return to London Gatwick (UK). The crew carried out the appropriate emergency drills, including the discharge of the fire extinguishers in the aft cargo hold, but the smoke warnings continued. The aircraft landed safely, the crew brought it to a halt on the runway and endeavored to establish the extent of any fire. This produced conflicting evidence and, with smoke warnings continuing, the Captain ordered an emergency evacuation. The passengers all left the aircraft within 90 seconds but two injuries, classed as ‘Serious’, were incurred. Subsequent examination of the aircraft and its systems showed that the smoke warnings had been spurious.

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