History of the Flight
On 3 October 2015, an Airbus A320-214, registration EI-DVJ, departed Dublin Airport (EIDW) on a scheduled passenger flight to Munich, Germany. Immediately after take-off at approximately 06:40 UTC, the flight crew detected an unusual odour in the cockpit. Shortly thereafter, the senior cabin crew member (SCCM) reported an extremely bad fumy smell in the cabin straight after take-off. No cockpit warnings or indications of a malfunction were present.
The Commander, who was the pilot flying, switched the pack flow (air conditioning system) to high, but the smell persisted. After discussion with the SCCM, who noted some improvement, the Commander informed the SCCM that maintenance had been performed on the aircraft and that the smell might be related to that or to a previous de-icing procedure. The flight crew observed a reduction in smell intensity.
Later, the SCCM reported that cabin crew at the rear had noticed a smoke-like effect after take-off, which had since cleared. A smell remained in the rear galleys but had lessened. The Commander could no longer detect the smell, but the co-pilot could. The Commander advised the SCCM of the decision to return to Dublin. At that time, the flight crew informed air traffic control (ATC) of a slight problem in the cabin and requested to enter a holding pattern. After the SCCM re-inspected the cabin and reported the smell was still noticeable but dissipated, the Commander confirmed the return. A NITS briefing was given to the SCCM, and a normal landing was planned.
As the Commander made a public address to passengers, the smell worsened. The co-pilot declared a PAN (state of urgency) to ATC, reporting fumes coming into the cockpit. ATC granted an immediate descent and notified airport fire services and the operator. The flight crew donned oxygen masks and initiated the SMOKE/FUMES/AVNCS SMOKE checklist. A normal landing occurred at Dublin at approximately 07:02 UTC. The crew requested an expeditious taxi, which was facilitated by ATC with a fire service escort.
Upon arrival at the parking stand at about 07:08 UTC, no air bridge was immediately available. The SCCM requested doors be opened due to fumes. After several requests, the air bridge was positioned at approximately 07:11 UTC, and passengers disembarked. The operator reported that many passengers covered their mouths with clothing or handkerchiefs because of the smell.
Injuries
No injuries were reported to the investigation.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft, an Airbus A320-214 (serial number 3857), was manufactured in 2009. It was powered by two CFM 56-5B4/3 engines. The certificate of airworthiness was issued on 3 April 2009, and the airworthiness review certificate was valid until 2 April 2016. The aircraft had accumulated 19,630 total hours.
Cause of Fumes
The fumes were attributed to an incorrectly performed engine wash procedure, which was carried out by maintenance personnel the night before the occurrence flight.