B757 flight crew is informed in cruise that a smoke alarm has activated in a lavatory. Smoke is seen...

Attributes
ACN	831469
Time
Date	200904
Local Time Of Day	1801-2400
Place
Locale Reference	ZZZ.Airport
State Reference	US
Environment
Flight Conditions	VMC
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	B757-200
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 121
Flight Phase	Cruise
Flight Plan	IFR
Person 1
Function	Pilot Flying Captain
Experience	Flight Crew Last 90 Days 84 Flight Crew Total 16000 Flight Crew Type 2000
Person 2
Function	First Officer Pilot Not Flying
Experience	Flight Crew Last 90 Days 190 Flight Crew Total 6000 Flight Crew Type 1500
Events
Anomaly	Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor

Narrative:

The chief purser advised me of a loud buzzing in the area of mid cabin area. Further investigation by the flight attendants revealed the smoke alarm in the lavatory at door 2L had been activated. A few seconds later; the chief purser called back and stated she; as well as the passengers; observed and smelled smoke in the first class and coach cabin. Further investigation by myself revealed the wall to the lavatory was hot to touch. We then contacted maintenance control; and they advised us to pull several cbs. After completing that task and re-inspection; the wall was still hot. Declared an emergency with ATC; and dispatch started divert process. Advised the flight attendants to perform 'cabin advisory.' on descent; the chief purser said the smoke had reappeared. Then we requested 330 KTS below 10;000 ft MSL for approach and landing. Cleared for a visual approach. Crash fire rescue examined the aircraft on the runway and later at the gate.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: B757 flight crew is informed in cruise that a smoke alarm has activated in a lavatory. Smoke is seen and smelled; and the lavatory wall is hot to the touch. Attempts at control using circuit breakers are unsuccessful and flight diverts to nearest suitable airport.

Narrative: The Chief Purser advised me of a loud buzzing in the area of mid cabin area. Further investigation by the Flight Attendants revealed the smoke alarm in the lavatory at door 2L had been activated. A few seconds later; the Chief Purser called back and stated she; as well as the passengers; observed and smelled smoke in the First Class and Coach cabin. Further investigation by myself revealed the wall to the lavatory was hot to touch. We then contacted Maintenance Control; and they advised us to pull several CBs. After completing that task and re-inspection; the wall was still hot. Declared an emergency with ATC; and dispatch started divert process. Advised the Flight Attendants to perform 'Cabin Advisory.' On descent; the Chief Purser said the smoke had reappeared. Then we requested 330 KTS below 10;000 FT MSL for approach and landing. Cleared for a visual approach. Crash Fire Rescue examined the aircraft on the runway and later at the gate.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.