On Thursday, a Saab 340 operated by Ryan Air Services was in trouble when its right-hand windshield heating element caught fire. The aircraft was flying between the Alaskan airports of Kodiak and Anchorage when the incident occurred.

Saab 340
The crew members on the Ryan Air Services Saab 340 (not pictured) had to act quickly amid the unexpected incident. Photo: Andy Mitchell via Wikimedia Commons

A swift response

According to The Aviation Herald, the Saab 340A involved held registration number N907RA and was conducting flight 7S-907. Two crew members were on board the plane when approaching Anchorage's runway 07R. In response to the fire, the crew used fire extinguishers to put out the flames.

Subsequently, the plane continued for a safe landing on its intended runway. Moreover, the staff maintained routine communication and taxied to the airport’s FedEx hangar.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the right windshield heating element caught fire. The group also affirms that a fire extinguisher put it out. The extent of the damage to the aircraft is the be confirmed. However, thankfully, any significant danger to those on board was avoided. Altogether, there are no reports of any injuries.

Transwest Saab 340
Turboprops such as the Saab 340 are useful at airports in areas with tough conditions. Photo: Jennoit / Jenn via Wikimedia Commons

More about the airline

Ryan Air Services primarily operates a fleet of turboprops, consisting of Saab 340s, Cessna 207s, Cessna 208s, Pilatus PC-12s, and CASA 212-200s. The airline conducts operations that help keep communities connected in some of Alaska’s remote areas.

“Started in 1953 in the small village of Unalakleet, Ryan Air remains a family and native owned company managed by the third generation of Ryan family. In Bush Alaska, where air service is the only way to receive and send furniture, clothing, food, medical supplies and more, the runway is a community’s lifeline,” Ryan Air Services shares on its website.

“Ryan Air, an Alaska Bush carrier for more than half a century, is a familiar sight in Alaskan villages. Air cargo shipping is our primary business. We have honed our operation around a specialized area of expertise. As a result, we take more freight to more places than any other Bush carrier in Alaska.”

Loganair Saab 340
Several carriers in northern regions put their faith in turboprops such as the Saab 340. Photo: Dotonegroup via Wikimedia Commons

Danger averted

The Saab 340 has not hit the skies since the incident, with its last touchpoint being Anchorage on January 21st. Nonetheless, the crew will be thankful that they managed to avoid any significant escalation and that they landed safely.

Simple Flying reached out to Ryan Air Services about this incident but did not hear back before publication. We will update the article with any further announcements from the company.

What are your thoughts about this Ryan Air Services Saab Saab 340’s windshield catching fire? Have you experienced anything similar when flying with any carrier over the years? Let us know what you think of this incident in Anchorage in the comment section.