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Date:
Monday 21 July 2025
Time:
09:01
Type of Aircraft:
Boeing 737-8FE (WL) (Silhouette image of generic B738 model; specific model in this crash may look slightly different)
Owner/Operator:
Virgin Australia Regional
Registration:
VH-YFY
MSN:
41016/6494
Year of Manufacture:
2017
Engine Model:
CFMI CFM56-7B
Fatalities:
0 / Occupants: 155
Other Fatalities:
0
Aircraft Damage:
Minor, repaired
Category:
Serious incident
Location:
NNE of Hobart Airport, TAS (HBA/YMHB) – Australia
Phase:
Approach
Nature:
Passenger – Scheduled
Departure Airport:
Sydney-Kingsford Smith International Airport, NSW (SYD/YSSY)
Destination Airport:
Hobart Airport, TAS (HBA/YMHB)
Investigating Agency:
ATSB
Confidence Rating:
Accident investigation report completed and information captured
Circumstances:
Virgin Australia flight VA1528 was operating a scheduled passenger service from Sydney to Hobart. During the descent and approach phase to Hobart Airport, a lithium-ion power bank located in a passenger’s bag within an overhead locker experienced thermal runaway, producing flames and smoke.
Cabin crew identified the source and managed the event using onboard procedures. The device was ultimately placed into a containment bag to mitigate further risk. The timing of the occurrence during descent limited the time available for full completion of standard response procedures.
Despite the cabin event, the flight crew continued the approach and conducted a safe landing at Hobart Airport. No injuries were reported, and the aircraft sustained minor damage, which was subsequently repaired. The ATSB investigated the occurrence and completed a final report.
Sources:
ATSB
https://pulsetasmania.com.au/news/fire-extinguished-on-virgin-flight-to-hobart-after-battery-ignites-mid-air/
https://www.flightaware.com/live/flight/VOZ1528/history/20250718/2130Z/YSSY/YMHB
Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving light aircraft, helicopters, charter flights, balloons, commuter aircraft and airlines throughout Australia and overseas to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. We act for pilots, passengers, operators, aircraft owners and aviation employees worldwide. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of aircraft accident compensation claims.