B757 flight crew reported a fumes event during descent and continued to a safe landing at destination.
Synopsis
B757 flight crew reported a fumes event during descent and continued to a safe landing at destination.
Narrative
Incident recognition: At around 12000 ft.; I detected a foul odor that smelled like dirty socks; which raised immediate concern for possible smoke and fumes in the cockpit. Protocols: The Captain ordered the crew to don oxygen masks; initiated the smoke; fire and fumes Quick Reference Card (QRC) procedure; and communicated with the flight attendants to assess the situation. Flight Operations: Control of the aircraft was transferred for me to become the pilot flying (PF); and I communicated with Air Traffic Control (ATC) regarding the situation. Per the Captain's command I [requested priority handling]; we stated the number of souls on board and the fuel load in pounds. Initially the crew communications were established when both pilots donned their oxygen masks. However; communications were established and lost almost simultaneously after we both made initial contact with each other. At this point ATC had advised us we were transmitting on a HOT mic I doubled-checked my Audio Control Panel (ACP) setting. OXY selected; Comm 1 mic selector pushed in; speaker knob 3/4 if not in full open position. When selecting mic on my pilot's yoke push to talk I established radio contact with ATC 5/5. However; when using inter-phone; I was never able to re-establish communications with the Captain through the inter-phone system. By a loud yell the Captain and I could commute commands while continuing to have our oxygen mask on.Approach Adjustment: Initially the crew was set up for an ILS approach to Runway XXL. ATC advised the crew that Runway XXR was also a favorable option for an almost straight-in approach. The crew quickly assessed the situation and opted for a shorter approach segment to Runway XXR; which was deemed safe under the circumstances.Checklist Completion: The Captain completed the appropriate Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) checklist to ensure all necessary steps were taken to address the [event].Stabilized Approach: We executed a stabilized approach to Runway XXR; ensuring positive aircraft control and safety during the landing phase. My target although not verbalized seemed to be a shared mental model at the time. Keep 250 kt. until 2 or 3 miles from the FAF. Call and also point for landing gear down; the flaps were commanded out on schedule.Emergency Service Preparedness: Crash; Fire; and Rescue were put on alert and positioned on the adjacent taxiway in preparation for any potential incident upon landing.Post-Landing Procedures: After landing and exiting the runway; we completed the landing flow and opened cockpit windows to ventilate the cabin. As we were taxiing in; I communicated with the flight attendants in a few short brief sentences to check on their wellbeing; no signs of fire or smoke and that the odor was still dissipating.Crew Communication: The Captain promptly communicated with the flight attendants to confirm there were no signs of fire and to check on the wellbeing of the crew and provided them updates along with information.Post-Arrival Actions: Upon arrival at Gate XX; we waited around 5 - 6 minutes for the ground crew to get in position. I contacted Operations; they were clueless that we were [a priority handling] aircraft and had not received this information was the exact verbiage. We parked the aircraft; completed the necessary checklists; and coordinated with Maintenance and local fire department personnel for further investigation.
Second reporter narrative
While deadheading on flight ZZZ1 to ZZZ; overwhelming fumes became noticeable in the forward cabin. It was like a burning laundry smell. The crew coordinated a safe landing into ZZZ. The smell lessened while they followed smoke / fumes procedure but remained noticeable until safely leaving the aircraft at the gate. Nausea; a headache; and strange taste in mouth remained 12 hours after.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.