Air Carrier Captain reported flight attendant called cockpit to inform crew of 'smoke pouring into the cabin'. The Captain explained that it was not smoke and followed up on the ground with appropriate announcements.
Synopsis
Air Carrier Captain reported flight attendant called cockpit to inform crew of 'smoke pouring into the cabin'. The Captain explained that it was not smoke and followed up on the ground with appropriate announcements.
Narrative
At 600 feet AGL on approach; the FA (Flight Attendant) called the cockpit to inform us there was smoke pouring into the cabin and the passengers were panicked. Based on her description; I determined it was not smoke; but excess PACK condensation. I informed her of this. This was a high-distraction event; in extremely windy conditions. The CA (Captain) PF (Pilot Flying) was working his butt off. We continued the approach and landed without incident. On the ground I made a PA; explaining the condensation to the passengers. Prior to boarding the outbound flight; I instructed the gate agent to make a gate PA explaining the fog in the aircraft was due to air conditioning condensation and perfectly normal in ZZZ; this time of year.I have had this happen before. There are 3 causes: 1. Whether or not this is a malfunction; has been debated the entire XX years I have been flying CRJ variants. The fact is the PACKS are not being maintained at an optimal level. The only crew solution is to raise the PACK temperature; which is not an option on a CRJ200 in the summer; in the south. 2. FAs are not adequately trained on how to tell the difference between smoke and PACK condensation. The FA stated it was mentioned in training; but that there was no visual aid. There should also be training on PA announcements the FA could make in order to calm panicked passengers. The FA mentioned this was her first summer as an FA. 3. Captains need to brief FAs on the possibility of this occurring when flying in hot and humid conditions on takeoff and approach. In this case; it was a surprise for all; because we departed a cool dry ZZZ1 with no cabin fog and landed in a hot humid ZZZ; with lots of cabin fog.
More incidents for this aircraft family →
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.