What is a common cause of aircraft electrical fire and the immediate action?

• A. Fuel leak; isolate fuel system and vent cabin.
• B. Electrical fault; isolate power, extinguish, and evacuate if needed.
• C. Hydraulic leak; depressurize and land as soon as practical.
• D. Engine fire; shut down the engine and evacuate immediately.

Answer: (B)

Electrical fires on aircraft are typically the result of an electrical fault such as a short circuit or overheated component. The quickest way to stop the fire from feeding and spreading is to remove the power source. Isolating power to the affected circuit (and, if required by procedure, pulling the relevant circuit breakers) cuts off the electrical energy feeding the arc and reduces the risk of re-ignition.

Once the power is isolated, the next step is to extinguish the fire with an appropriate extinguisher designed for electrical fires. This cools and smothers the flames without adding fuel or causing further electrical damage. If the fire or smoke cannot be controlled, evacuate as needed to ensure crew and passenger safety.

Other scenarios listed are not aligned with an electrical fire: a fuel leak would prompt actions focused on securing the fuel system and managing fuel-driven risks; a hydraulic leak and depressurization target different systems entirely; and an engine fire would require shutting down the engine and evacuating, which are not the correct immediate actions for an electrical fire.