Airbus A319 diverts to East Midlands following reports of cockpit fumes

Casualties unknown • Approx 15 nm north of Kidlington, Oxfordshire, GB

An Airbus A319 operating a passenger flight from Aldergrove to Gatwick diverted to East Midlands Airport after the crew detected smoke or fumes in the cockpit.

What happened

On 30 December 2005, an Airbus A319-111, registration G-EZEG, was performing a scheduled passenger flight from Aldergrove to Gatwick. While cruising at FL180 near Kidlington, Oxfordshire, both members of the flight deck crew independently noticed the smell of smoke or fumes within the cockpit.

In response to the situation, the crew activated the emergency transponder code 7700 and issued a pan-pan call to London Air Traffic Control, requesting an immediate diversion to East Midlands Airport. To mitigate the risk, the pilots donned oxygen masks and goggles and initiated the "Smoke/Fumes Removal" procedure from the Quick Reference Handbook (QRH). The captain used the public address system to contact the Senior Cabin Crew Member (SCCM) for a status update.

Upon being briefed, the SCCM reported that the smell in the passenger cabin had already dissipated. Because the flight deck crew remained on oxygen, they were unable to confirm if the odor had changed. Given the proximity of East Midlands Airport, the captain prioritized landing at the nearest suitable airfield. The aircraft landed safely at East Midlands Airport approximately 15 minutes after the initial distress call, and passengers were evacuated via the main exits.

The investigation

The investigation focused on identifying the source of the reported fumes. Maintenance providers conducted a thorough examination of the aircraft, specifically looking for evidence of smoke or burning. The investigation ruled out the galley and the use of de-icing fluids as potential causes. Furthermore, there were no recorded warnings on the Electronic Centralised Aircraft Monitor (ECAM) and no physical evidence of smoke or burning was found on the aircraft.

Findings

  • The investigation found no evidence of smoke or burning on the aircraft.
  • The galley and de-icing fluid applications were eliminated as potential sources of the odor.
  • No ECAM warnings were triggered during the event.
  • The crew followed established emergency procedures and prioritized a landing at the nearest suitable airport.

Probable cause

The investigation could not identify a specific source for the reported fumes or smoke, as no evidence of burning or system malfunctions was found on the aircraft.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2005-12-30 Airbus A319-111 accident near Approx 15 nm north of Kidlington, Oxfordshire, GB?

An Airbus A319 operating a passenger flight from Aldergrove to Gatwick diverted to East Midlands Airport after the crew detected smoke or fumes in the cockpit.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-12-30 involved a Airbus A319-111, registration G-EZEG, at Approx 15 nm north of Kidlington, Oxfordshire, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The investigation could not identify a specific source for the reported fumes or smoke, as no evidence of burning or system malfunctions was found on the aircraft.

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