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B737 captain reported concern for a potential safety hazard of flying through volcanic ash.
| Attributes | |
| ACN | 1415765 |
| Time | |
| Date | 201701 |
| Environment | |
| Flight Conditions | IMC |
| Aircraft 1 | |
| Make Model Name | B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model |
| Operating Under FAR Part | Part 121 |
| Flight Phase | Parked |
| Flight Plan | IFR |
| Person 1 | |
| Function | Captain |
| Qualification | Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP) |
| Events | |
| Anomaly | No Specific Anomaly Occurred All Types |
Narrative:
While reviewing the flight plan for our trip to ZZZZ; I noticed a volcano symbol on the map; along with a note concerning volcanic ash activity in the remarks section. I called the dispatcher to obtain more specific information concerning the ash threat and the forecast area of its movement. We had a productive conversation concerning the prevailing wind near the plume and also discussed the reasons for choosing ZZZZ1 for an alternate. Before ending our conversation; I asked the dispatcher if any company flights had encountered the volcanic ash and had problems. The dispatcher said that he was not aware of any.after operating the flight and awaiting our return deadhead; several passengers were discussing how the flight the day before had canceled after flying through volcanic ash and requiring maintenance. After a little research; I discovered the attached logbook entry detailing how a company 737 flew through ash and showed signs of exposure. I am concerned that there is not a more serious awareness of the potential safety hazard of flying through volcanic ash. Also; I think our dispatchers may not be receiving these incident reports from maintenance. While I realize the ash was forecast to remain clear of ZZZZ; I still feel we need all information available in case forecasts prove wrong.
Original NASA ASRS Text
Title: B737 Captain reported concern for a potential safety hazard of flying through volcanic ash.
Narrative: While reviewing the flight plan for our trip to ZZZZ; I noticed a volcano symbol on the map; along with a note concerning volcanic ash activity in the remarks section. I called the Dispatcher to obtain more specific information concerning the ash threat and the forecast area of its movement. We had a productive conversation concerning the prevailing wind near the plume and also discussed the reasons for choosing ZZZZ1 for an alternate. Before ending our conversation; I asked the dispatcher if any company flights had encountered the volcanic ash and had problems. The dispatcher said that he was not aware of any.After operating the flight and awaiting our return deadhead; several passengers were discussing how the flight the day before had canceled after flying through volcanic ash and requiring maintenance. After a little research; I discovered the attached logbook entry detailing how a company 737 flew through ash and showed signs of exposure. I am concerned that there is not a more serious awareness of the potential safety hazard of flying through volcanic ash. Also; I think our dispatchers may not be receiving these incident reports from maintenance. While I realize the ash was forecast to remain clear of ZZZZ; I still feel we need all information available in case forecasts prove wrong.
Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site 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.