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Spirit Airlines grounds planes after accidental foam discharge

Spirit Airlines grounds planes after accidental foam discharge
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Spirit Airlines | Official Website

Spirit Airlines has temporarily grounded several Airbus A320 family aircraft following an accidental activation of the fire suppression system at its maintenance hangar in Detroit. The incident occurred on July 4, resulting in foam discharge inside the hangar and spilling onto the apron.

The airline attributed the foam release to nearby lightning. Despite this event, Spirit Airlines stated there was no significant impact on flight operations. "We have engaged a contractor to assist with cleanup efforts, and we thank first responders for their quick response and assistance. There is no impact to our flight operations," said a spokesperson for Spirit Airlines.

Photos and videos shared online depicted at least two aircraft inside and four outside the hangar during the incident. The airline confirmed that three aircraft were removed from service—two from inside the hangar and one from outside. According to ch-aviation records, Spirit Airlines has 14 A320 family aircraft based at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport.

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Additionally, Spirit Airlines has parked up to 58 aircraft due to other ongoing issues, including inspections of Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines. This follows disclosures by RTX regarding a condition affecting engine parts manufactured between late 2015 and mid-2021.

Similar incidents have occurred at other facilities over recent years. In February 2024, Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport experienced a foam discharge in a United Airlines building without impacting operations as no personnel or aircraft were present. In March 2020, Delta Air Lines reported a malfunctioning fire suppression system at Los Angeles International Airport.

In 2014, Eglin Air Force Base saw a foam discharge resulting in one fatality due to valve failure caused by freezing temperatures. An Air Force Test Center report highlighted situational awareness loss and decision-making errors as contributing factors.

Spirit Airlines operates as an ultra-low-cost carrier with hubs across major U.S. airports, including Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport.

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