A319
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 50; Flight Crew Total 15000; Flight Crew Type 5000
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Diverted
Aircraft
[We] diverted for an overheated circuit breaker panel/border of coffee machine in aft galley. Approaching level off; Aft Flight Attendant called cockpit to inform us of flashing blue light on chiller which was followed by a steady red malfunction light. In their research they realized that the coffee pot handle; the circuit breaker panel above the coffee pot and the metal bordering the coffee pot was very warm to the touch. I had the First Officer go back to assess the situation and he confirmed the overheat condition. He then pulled first the circuit breakers for the chillers and when the overheat condition did not subside; pulled the rest of the circuit breakers. Since the surfaces did not seem to be cooling down and I wanted to get an idea of how hot the panels were I also went to the aft galley to assess the situation. The most alarming part to me was the very hot border that surrounded the coffee pot. I did not smell or see any smoke at that time. Because the heat source could not be identified and the surfaces were not cooling down with the power removed; I elected to land at the closest suitable airport. The emergency equipment awaited our arrival and followed us as we exited the end of the runway. It was confirmed by them that there was no external indication of fire and the flight attendants confirmed no smoke or smell in aft galley so we taxied to gate to deplane passengers and await Contract Maintenance to investigate problem.
[Report Narrative Contained No Additional Information.]
The pilots of an A319 were alerted by flight attendants of aft galley fault warning lights and a serious overheat problem that could not be quickly rectified by the usual processes. The Captain determined that a diversion to the nearest airport was warranted; they advised ATC; and expeditiously landed the aircraft.