What happened
On 10 February 2003, a BAe ATP, registration G-MANE, was performing a passenger flight from Edinburgh when the crew observed a 'SMOKE' warning on the Central Warning Panel during the climb to FL8/8000ft. This was accompanied by a heavy smell of fumes in the cockpit, leading the flight crew to use their oxygen masks.
Following the warning, the flight crew initiated a diversion to Glasgow. The captain instructed the cabin crew to inspect the toilet area. Upon inspection, the Senior Cabin Crew Member noted a light mist in the toilet compartment and observed that the first four overhead lockers felt warmer than the others, though no active fire was found. The smoke warning extinguished after roughly two minutes. The aircraft landed at Glasgow without further incident, and passengers were disembarked at the stand with the assistance of the airport fire service.
The investigation
Initial engineering inspections of the cockpit, avionics bay, and cabin panels were conducted to search for burnt wiring, but no evidence of electrical damage was found. Tests of the smoke detectors, lighting, and radar systems were all successful. Furthermore, checks of the engine oil levels and consumption showed no irregularities.
However, during a subsequent flight on 11 February, the crew reported a musty smell, similar to curing adhesive, throughout the cabin. Investigations traced this odor to the No 2 (right hand) bleed air pack. Following maintenance procedures for smoke or oil mist, technicians identified an accumulation of oil within the No 2 engine LP compressor inlet. Attempts to clean the area were unsuccessful as the oil leak recurred during ground runs. Consequently, the No 2 engine was removed and sent to the manufacturer for analysis.
Findings
- The smoke warning and accompanying fumes were caused by an accumulation of oil in the No 2 engine LP compressor inlet.
- The warmth noted in the overhead lockers could not be specifically attributed to a cause but was not linked to the primary incident.
- The aircraft was deemed fit for service only after the faulty engine was replaced.