Boeing: “We have determined that a failure in the P100 panel led to a fire involving an insulation blanket,” the plane-builder said in a statement. Found under passenger seats close to the wings, the P100 panel obtains power from the left engine and distributes it to a range of systems. Boeing said damage to the panel was “significant,” but noted that initial inspections did not show extensive damage to the surrounding structure or other systems. “The backup systems engaged during the incident and the crew retained positive control of the airplane at all times and had the information it needed to perform a safe landing,” it added. Though molten metal was found near the panel, Boeing said it had little significance to the investigation.
BOEING CONFIRMES CAUSE OF FIRE
