This event is particularly scary. Fire/smoke is the #1 fear and in one of the worlds most remote locations over water at night is a potential disaster. Well done to the crew who likely had luck on their side. There is a number of cockpit fires on record for the 777 and we unquestionably must get answers to MH370. 1000 of these big Boeing twins birds in the skies every day.
http://avherald.com/h?article=47729f02&opt=0
A United Boeing 777-200, registration N210UA performing flight UA-201 (dep Jul 10th) from Honolulu,HI (USA) to Guam,MP (USA), was enroute at FL350 over the Pacific Ocean about 300nm southsouthwest of Midway Islands,UM (USA) and about 850nm west of Honolulu when the crew decided to return to Honolulu due to smell of smoke on board. The aircraft descended to FL300 for the way back. About 10 minutes later haze was observed in the cabin prompting the crew to turn north and divert to Midway Islands. The aircraft dumped fuel and landed safely in Midway about one hour after turning around.
A Passenger reported there was a "problem with one of the wings" and the cabin became smokey. Multiple passengers reported the aircraft had suffered technical problems involving a burning smell in the cockpit prior to departure and departed Honolulu with a delay of about 4 hours as result. Passengers tweeted that the aircraft dumped fuel on the way to Midway.
There is a report on the Internet telling that the aircraft lost transponder, radios and other systems one by one, however, radar data indicate the transponder worked until touchdown.
A replacement Boeing 777-200 registration N779UA positioned to Midway as flight UA-2068 and returned the passengers to Honolulu as flight UA-2104 delivering the passengers back to Honolulu about 14 hours after their departure from Honolulu.