Fire protection systems involving a Saab SF-340B, VH-EKH, 50 km south-south-west of Port Macquarie, New South Wales, on 17 August 1997

A distress phase was declared after the crew reported they were diverting the aircraft for a landing at Port Macquarie due to a fire warning in the cargo hold. The crew reported that they had discharged the fire extinguisher for the cargo hold in accordance with the emergency procedures. However there was no other indication of fire. The aircraft landed safely a short time later and all passengers disembarked without incident.

Post flight examination confirmed that the fire warning was spurious. Company engineering personnel advised that it is a known problem. The manufacturer is currently modifying the fire detector system for this aircraft type. The operator will submit a Major Defect Report for the incident to CASA Airworthiness.