Incident
On 8 July 2021, an Embraer ERJ190-100 IGW, registration LV-CMB, operated by Aerolíneas Argentinas S.A., departed from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery in Buenos Aires on a regular commercial flight to San Rafael, Mendoza. During the initial climb at an altitude of approximately 500 feet, white smoke was observed in the passenger cabin. The flight crew experienced eye and throat irritation and immediately declared an emergency with approach control. The aircraft returned to Aeroparque Jorge Newbery and landed at 16:49 UTC without further incident. The smoke dissipated during the return, and the use of oxygen masks was not required.
Investigation
Post-flight inspection revealed no visible damage or signs of component malfunction. No oil or hydraulic fluid leaks were found. The aircraft's Flight Management Computer (FMC) diagnostic showed no warnings or failures for the incident flight. Interviews with the crew indicated no prior indications of any system malfunction.
Maintenance History
The aircraft was equipped with two General Electric CF34-10E engines. The right engine (serial number 424125) had been installed on 7 July 2021, replacing the previous right engine (serial number 994612). The replacement was performed according to the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) Task 71-00-01-400-801. Following the replacement, an oil change was conducted, and the engine was operated at idle for 20 minutes, with a subsequent test per Line Maintenance Manual (LMM) 72-00-00. Both procedures were completed without issues.
On 1 July 2021, prior to its removal, engine serial number 994612 had been washed and dried in accordance with LMM Task 72-00-00-100-801, using a chemical solution known commercially as ZOK 27. The incident flight was the first flight conducted after both the engine wash and the replacement.
Aircraft Systems
The Embraer ERJ190-100 IGW is equipped with an air conditioning system that supplies airflow to the cabin for pressurization and ventilation. The system includes two air conditioning packs, which receive bleed air from the engines. The exact source of the smoke was not determined, but the investigation noted the maintenance actions preceding the flight.