What happened
On 22 March 2013, a Boeing 757-300, registration D-ABOC, operated by Condor, was performing an approach to Gran Canaria Airport when a fume event occurred within the cabin air. During this initial event, several crew members reported feeling physical symptoms.
Following the landing and the disembarkation of passengers, the aircraft underwent an inspection. While no unusual findings or specific sources for the odor were identified, the crew elected to test the aircraft's air conditioning system prior to the commencement of the next flight. During this subsequent test, the odor returned with greater intensity. During this second occurrence, the crew experienced much more pronounced physical symptoms. The first officer and two flight attendants were transported to a hospital for treatment lasting several hours. Notably, the two flight attendants exhibited neurological symptoms, including cognitive impairments and difficulty with balance and walking.
The investigation
The investigation focused on identifying the source of the fumes and the nature of the crew members' symptoms. The aircraft was inspected at Gran Canaria, and subsequent inspections were conducted at Frankfurt Airport. While the aircraft was eventually returned to service after the replacement of parts within the air conditioning system and the APU, along with a cabin cleaning, the investigation could not definitively identify a toxic agent or a specific source of contamination.
Medical evaluations of the crew members were conducted, but the analyses provided no conclusive information regarding the specific compound responsible for the symptoms. The investigation also noted that the health of the flight attendants worsened in the days following the event, with one crew member eventually being unable to continue their career due to a relapse.
Findings
- During the approach to Gran Canaria, a fume event involving cabin air occurred.
- Several crew members experienced physical symptoms coinciding with the odor.
- During a follow-up test of the air conditioning system, the odor returned more strongly, and symptoms became more severe.
- Two flight attendants suffered neurological symptoms, including difficulty walking and cognitive impairment.
- No definitive source for the odor or the specific toxic agent could be identified through inspections or chemical analyses.
- There was no evidence to confirm that de-icing fluid (glycol) was the cause of the symptoms.
- The investigation found circumstantial evidence suggesting the crew members were affected by contaminated cabin air supplied by the aircraft's air conditioning system.