The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has heavily penalized Air China (CA, Beijing Capital) after an investigation into flight CA106, a B737-800 operating between Hong Kong International and Dalian on July 10 that was forced to make an emergency descent, revealed that the First Officer had been smoking an electronic cigarette in the cockpit at the time of the incident.
China Central Television (CCTV) said on its WeChat account that CAAC's penalties against Air China included a fine of CNY50,000 yuan (USD7,460), the reduction in B737 flying hours by 10%, and the cancellation of both pilots' licences. The curtailment is expected to be particularly painful given the B737 forms the backbone of Air China's narrowbody fleet with eighteen B737-700s and 121 -800s in service.
The aircraft, B-5851 (msn 41313), plunged 25,000 feet, during which oxygen masks were deployed, before levelling off and continuing its journey. An investigation subsequently revealed that the First Officer had accidentally shut off the aircraft's air conditioning system — causing insufficient oxygen levels in the cabin.
CAAC has since reprimanded Air China and ordered it to undertake an internal review of its safety culture. An inspection team will carry out a three-month-long supervisory audit to ensure CAAC's directive is adhered to.
