Introduction
On 2 November 2017, an Airbus A320-214, registration EI-GAL, experienced a serious incident during a commercial flight from Cork Airport (EICK). The aircraft, powered by two CFM56-5B4/3 engines, was operating with 6 crew and 143 passengers on board.
History of the Flight
The aircraft had performed an earlier return flight to London Heathrow that day. During descent into Heathrow, the flight crew detected a burning smell. The commander switched off the cockpit floor heaters, suspecting them as the source, and the odour dissipated. Maintenance personnel at Heathrow checked the APU ducting, avionics bay, and air conditioning but found no fault. The fumes did not recur on the return flight to Cork.
On the second departure from Cork at 12:34 UTC, while passing Flight Level 260, the flight crew noted strong, persistent fumes. They donned oxygen masks, declared a MAYDAY, and decided to return to Cork. The crew performed the 'SMOKE/FUMES/AVNCS SMOKE' checklist from the Quick Reference Handbook, which involved de-powering the main generators and powering the aircraft via the Ram Air Turbine (RAT). The aircraft was flown manually without flight directors. Before landing, the generators were reactivated, but flight directors were not restored. The aircraft landed safely on Runway 35.
Post-Landing and Evacuation
After landing, the crew assessed the aircraft and taxied to a stand, followed by emergency services. The commander set the parking brake and shut down engines. Determined that fumes remained in the cockpit, the commander directed a rapid disembarkation. Most passengers exited via front and aft steps, but passengers in emergency exit rows opened the overwing exits. Approximately 32 passengers stepped onto the wings; half of them used the escape slides, while the others returned to the cabin and used the steps.
Investigation Findings
Inspectors from the Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) examined the aircraft and interviewed crew and passengers. Maintenance personnel identified the avionics bay blower fan as the source of the fumes. The fan, which had ceramic bearings and had accumulated 15,745 flight hours since new, was removed and examined by an approved maintenance organisation. The examination determined that the root cause of the fan failure was wear of the rear bearing, a failure mode that was not unusual.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft sustained minor damage: the hatches from the overwing emergency exits were damaged when ejected onto the wings and ground. Inspection of the upper wing surfaces revealed no damage.
Injuries
No injuries were reported. However, one passenger later felt unwell and was taken to a local hospital.