Commercial Fixed Wing
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Aircraft
While descending on the arrival; the Captain noticed smoke and sparks coming from the transponder panel. He instructed me to don my oxygen mask and continue flying. The Captain got us priority handling and a high speed descent. We flew direct to the IAF; intercepted the ILS and landed without incident. I have no idea how to prevent something like this. This is the only instance of fire and smoke I have had in thirty years.
Shortly after vacating FL400 smoke with sparks began pouring from the transponder. Immediately turned the transponder off and the sparks stopped immediately and smoke slowly diminished. Donned oxygen masks and requested priority handling direct to the IAF for ILS with high speed descent. We were cleared as requested but proceeding direct to IAF took us off the arrival so my focus became ensuring terrain separation. Flight continued safely and landed without further incident. Having the situation under control; determined there was no need to declare an emergency; however afterwards I realized that declaring an emergency would have provided everything I had requested from ATC and more. In the future I will not hesitate to declare an emergency.
Air Carrier flight crew experiences smoke and sparks emanating from the transponder during descent. The transponder is turned off and the smoke begins to subside. An uneventful landing ensues.