What happened
On 31 July 2014, an Airbus A320-200, registration D-AIPK, operated by Lufthansa, was performing flight LH1788 from Munich to Bodrum. Shortly after takeoff, cabin crew members detected the smell of smoke in the rear section of the passenger cabin. Although galley ovens were immediately deactivated, the odor persisted. The pilots subsequently declared an emergency via the transponder and diverted the aircraft to Budapest (LHBP).
During the flight, two flight attendants became incapacitated. Following the emergency landing, the crew members were transported to a hospital for medical evaluation.
The investigation
The investigation involved interviewing the aircrew, reviewing cockpit voice recordings, and conducting chemical analysis of materials recovered from the cabin. Investigators also consulted studies from the German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU) regarding similar occurrences.
A technical inspection of the aircraft by Lufthansa Technik Budapest Kft. revealed no evidence of smoke or burn damage. Witnesses reported a sharp odor resembling acetone in the cabin and noted that a passenger had been using an aluminum bowl containing a liquid to remove nail polish. The crew surrendered the plastic bowl, which contained the liquid and two AA batteries, to airport fire protection services for analysis.
Findings
Technical examination found no mechanical or electrical source for the smoke. Chemical analysis suggested that the acetone-like odor likely resulted from a chemical reaction between the nail polish remover and the AA batteries present in the bowl.
Medical examinations of the crew members showed no signs of intoxication. The investigation concluded that the incapacitation of the two flight attendants was a psychosomatic reaction to the perceived smoke and chemical odors.