A DC10 lvl 1 via 1 fault occurred during the preflight electrical power transfer followed by a flash...

Narrative:

Following electrical transfer got lvl 1 via 1 fault. Shortly thereafter got a flashing cargo fire agent disch light. Directed the first officer to ensure the cargo area was clear of personnel. This took approximately one minute. Once he informed me the area was clear I executed the phase one's. Had the first officer evacuate the jumpseaters and keep all ramp personnel away from the aircraft while I had informed the fire department (via the ramp tower) and maintenance. Fire department inspected the cargo area with no evidence of fire; cargo trans-loaded to another aircraft. There was concern from a maintenance supervisor that the fire agent was discharged prior to ensuring the area was clear. The first officer confirmed that no personnel were present within a minute and then the agent was discharged. I believe there has been a considerable number of flashing disch lights upon power transfer. Consideration should be given to modifying QRH in how we handle this type of issue (i.e. Prior to block out and after block out).

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: A DC10 LVL 1 VIA 1 FAULT occurred during the preflight electrical power transfer followed by a flashing CARGO FIRE AGENT DISCH light so the Captain had the aircraft evacuated; called the fire department and maintenance. No fire was evident and the QRH procedure may require modification.

Narrative: Following electrical transfer got LVL 1 VIA 1 Fault. Shortly thereafter got a flashing CARGO FIRE AGENT DISCH light. Directed the First Officer to ensure the cargo area was clear of personnel. This took approximately one minute. Once he informed me the area was clear I executed the phase one's. Had the First Officer evacuate the jumpseaters and keep all ramp personnel away from the aircraft while I had informed the fire department (via the ramp tower) and maintenance. Fire Department inspected the cargo area with no evidence of fire; cargo trans-loaded to another aircraft. There was concern from a Maintenance Supervisor that the fire agent was discharged prior to ensuring the area was clear. The First Officer confirmed that no personnel were present within a minute and then the agent was discharged. I believe there has been a considerable number of flashing DISCH lights upon power transfer. Consideration should be given to modifying QRH in how we handle this type of issue (i.e. prior to block out and after block out).

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of July 2013 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.

Attributes
ACN	1001213
Time
Date	201203
Local Time Of Day	1201-1800
Place
Locale Reference	ZZZ.Airport
State Reference	US
Environment
Flight Conditions	VMC
Light	Daylight
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	DC-10 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 121
Flight Phase	Parked
Component
Aircraft Component	Cargo Compartment Fire/Overheat Warning
Person 1
Function	Pilot Flying Captain
Qualification	Flight Crew Commercial
Events
Anomaly	Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe Deviation - Procedural Published Material / Policy Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor

A DC10 lvl 1 via 1 fault occurred during the preflight electrical power transfer followed by a flashing cargo fire agent disch light so the captain had the aircraft evacuated; called the fire department and maintenance. No fire was evident and the QRH procedure may require modification.