Halon Extinguishment of Small Aircraft Instrument Panel Fires

摘要

Hand-held Hallon 1211 and Halon 1301 fire extinguishers of 2.5-pound 3-pound capacity, respectively, were discharged to determine their effectiveness on instrument panel fires in a small aircraft. The fires consisted of aircraft wire insulation and hydraulic fluid located below and behind the instrument panel in a Piper Model PA-30 Twin Comanche fuselage. The extinguishers were discharged using two methods: (1) by directing agent upward under the instrument panel, and (2) by directing agent behind the instrument panel by discharging through Fireports mounted on the instrument panel. Except for one test, the fires were extinguished rapidly upon discharge of the Halon extinguishers. The two methods of discharge were equally effective in extinguishing the fires. Extinguishers charged with Halon 1211 and Halon 1301 were both effective for fire extinguishment. In the test where the fire was not extinguished, the fire was located under the panel on the copilot's side on the extinguisher was discharged through a Fireport located on the extreme opposite side (pilot's side). In this test, the fire was knocked down but continued to burn. Measurements of the decomposition products of the Halon agents demonstrated toxic gas concentrations significantly below levels considered dangerous.