Cockpit Fire Diverts UA 757 to IAD

[CharlieFly]

Ashley Olsen's narrow escape after United Airlines plane's cockpit catches fire | Mail Online

Shame they didn't use her as a fire blanket!

[misd-agin]

Touching the heating element in the window is NOT the problem. The problem can be the electrical box at the base of the window.

Next time you're in the cockpit lean forward and look at the base of the window just forward of the respective lighting control panel. There's a connection box there with two caps on it. Both caps must be in place and not damaged. Throwing stuff on the glareshield can damage the caps.

I believe the box is black with grey(gray) caps that are about the size of your fingernails.

[411A]

Perhaps a pigeon with an AK..

More likely a BAR...

[WhatsaLizad?]

Any particular reason for a bullet-proof windshield, 411A?
Perhaps a pigeon with an AK..

I think I'd rather take my chances with 5 AK-47 rounds fired at my 767 windshield from 350 yards than take 5 birds hitting it at 350 kts.

One of our 767's hit a flock of some type that weren't too big >10K near 350 kts. It looked like multiple 20MM cannon hits. One poor bird went just under the windshield, through the pressure vessel, through the side cockpit walls and splatterd guts into the Captains kitbag.

[golfyankeesierra]

I think I'd rather take my chances with 5 AK-47 rounds fired at my 767 windshield from 350 yards than take 5 birds hitting it at 350 kt

I rather take the birds, but then again, I don't fly 350kts below 10.
I had a big bird once at 210kts, it really wakes you up, but no damage.
Since then I'm not in such a hurry anymore below 10, especially when in bird territory, like Africa.

[WhatsaLizad?]

GYS,

Consider my example of 350 kts to be above 10k.

Agreed on the birds. I've lost my enthusiasm for >250 kts below 10K for that reason.