UPS analysing lithium battery safety after crash

DUBAI — The operator from the Boeing 747 cargo aircraft which went down within the Nad Al Sheba military camp area here last month, said on Sunday it was assessing fireplace risks posed by lithium batteries, according to a US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) report on Friday. The crash killed both pilots.

The FAA had reported in its alert that the plane’s cargo contained substantial quantities of these batteries. "We note as well that United Parcel Service (UPS) Flight 006 crashed inside United Arab Emirates on September 3, 2010. Investigation with the crash is still underway, plus the trigger from the crash has not been determined. We are aware, on the other hand, that the plane’s cargo did consist of large quantities of lithium batteries and believe it prudent to advise operators of that fact."

Speaking to Khaleej Times, UPS Public Relations Manager Mike Mangeot, said the firm was within the procedure of analysing the authority’s report on hearth risks of lithium batteries.

"Speaking broadly, UPS has a standing lithium battery operating group and an in-flight fireplace mitigation team which are already looking at difficulties similar to those outlined from the Safo (Security Alert for Operators)." Mangeot mentioned the business would not be drawn into speculating the bring about with the crash when an official inquiry was being conducted by a team headed by the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority and included professionals from the US National Transportation Security Board (NTSB), Boeing, FAA and UPS.

It's vital to understand that the investigation into the Dubai accident has not mentioned a cause, and may possibly not for quite some time, until experts have been able to conduct a thorough analysis of the facts, he mentioned.

"We commend the FAA for its drive to strengthen lithium battery safety and have a long track record of functioning with them to boost security on industry-wide troubles like this," he added.

The Wall Street Journal had first reported that lithium batteries could have stoked the fireplace on board the ill-fated flight.

Smoke was reported from the cockpit and also the two pilots said they have been unable to maintain altitude, according to an GCAA statement earlier.

The FAA stated lithium metal batteries were highly flammable and capable of ignition. "This could be caused when a battery short circuits, is overcharged, is heated to extreme temperatures, is mishandled, or is otherwise defective.’