Loose screw causes cockpit fire in some Boeing jets; FAA slow to act — report

Published 6:28 am Tuesday, June 29, 2010

The Federal Aviation Administration has taken its time in ordering airlines to fix a problem in Boeing Co. jets that causes cockpit fires, reports The Associated Press.

A loose screw in the cockpit window heaters has caused a burning smell and, in some cases, flames. The AP reports that the problem has occurred on dozens of flights, terrifying passengers and crew and forcing emergency landings. No fatalities have been reported.

The National Transportation Safety Board is pushing the FAA to order airlines to fix the problem.

“There is no shortage of information. In fact, there’s no shortage of incidents,” NTSB Chairman Deborah Hersman told the AP. “What’s the missing is the will to do something about it.”

Boeing said there has been 29 incidents since 2002 involving 747, 757, 767 and 777 jets.

The FAA is expected to issue an order to airlines next month.