What happened
On January 8, 2025, an Embraer ERJ190 operating a scheduled commercial flight from Corrientes to Aeroparque Jorge Newbery in Buenos Aires experienced a technical malfunction during the cruise phase. While preparing for descent, the crew observed an intermittent "BLEED 2 LEAK OFF" warning light. Following the established procedures in the Quick Reference Handbook (QRH), the crew continued the flight, but subsequently detected a strong burning odor and the presence of smoke within the cockpit and portions of the passenger cabin. In response to the smoke, the crew declared a PAN-PAN urgency signal. The aircraft landed safely at its destination, and passengers were disembarked without further incident.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted as a desk inquiry, focused on the mechanical failure and the subsequent smoke detection. Maintenance inspections following the landing identified an air leak caused by the discharge of the right-hand (RH) precooler. To rectify the issue, technicians removed the component in accordance with the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM). The repair process involved the removal and reinstallation of access covers on the RH pylon, the replacement of the discharge grille, and the application of necessary sealing. An operational test of the engine pneumatic bleed system was performed and completed successfully.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was an air leak resulting from the discharge of the RH precooler.
- While the leak was identified, investigators could not definitively determine the exact origin of the smoke observed in the cockpit.
- No critical aircraft components were found to be damaged by the event.
- The aircraft returned to service following the successful completion of maintenance and system testing.