DC-10 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Commercial
Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Workload; Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; General Maintenance Action; General Evacuated; General Release Refused / Aircraft Not Accepted
Procedure; Chart Or Publication; Aircraft
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).
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.