Incident Overview
On 2 March 2013, a Boeing 737-530, registration D-ABIL, operated by Lufthansa, was conducting a scheduled passenger flight from Frankfurt, Germany, to Graz, Austria. At approximately 0849 UTC, shortly after takeoff from Frankfurt, the flight crew reported a smell described as 'old socks' in the cockpit and the front galley area. The odor persisted for about three minutes before dissipating.
Subsequent Occurrence
The same smell recurred approximately five minutes before landing in Graz, again lasting for about three minutes. During both episodes, the captain and first officer used oxygen masks as a precaution. The flight continued to Graz and landed normally without further incident.
Injuries and Damage
No injuries were reported among passengers or crew. The aircraft sustained no damage as a result of the event.
Investigation
The incident is being investigated by the Sicherheitsuntersuchungsstelle – Zivilluftfahrt (Civil Aviation Safety Investigation Authority) of Austria. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of the United States has appointed an Accredited Representative to assist the investigation, as the United States is the State of Design and Manufacture of the aircraft, per the provisions of ICAO Annex 13.
Contact Information
Inquiries regarding this incident should be directed to the Austrian Accident Investigation Branch at:
BMVIT - IV/BAV/UUB/LF (Unfalluntersuchungsstelle - Luftfahrt) Federal Office of Transport Accident Investigation Branch, Department Aviation Address - Mail: P.O. Box 206, 1000 Wien Address - Office: Trauzlgasse 1, 1210 Wien Email: [email protected] Tel.: +43 (0)1 71162-657700 (24 hours)