A330 flight crew reported an odor of burning plastic during takeoff. The flight returned to the departure airport for an overweight landing; then returned to the gate.
Synopsis
A330 flight crew reported an odor of burning plastic during takeoff. The flight returned to the departure airport for an overweight landing; then returned to the gate.
Narrative
Just prior to take-off rotation; noted odor of burning plastic consistent with previous crew entry in maintenance logbook. Elected to continue take-off; completed QRH and normal procedures per SOP; coordinated return to ZZZZ with ATC and company; effected an overweight landing; and returned to gate without further incident.Although not a significant factor in the outcome of the event; it should be noted that the normal expectations related to ATC and ARFF (Airport Rescue and Firefighting) coordination are hampered as a result of language limitations. We adapted communications with ATC as necessary to meet the needs of our circumstances and maintain safety.Additional operational note was ATC's initial offering of their preferred runways (XX / XY) could have been initially rejected when intending to return for an overweight landing. After evaluating our landing distance required and in consideration of our desired brake requirements; we later elected to use XZL for landing and minimized braking requirements to prevent excessively high brake temperatures.Early in the initial approach; ILS glide slope signal was clearly being affected by presumably aircraft movements on the ground causing a momentary increased rate of decent of 1;600 fpm which resolved itself without manual intervention. During approach in visual conditions below 1000 ft AGL with autopilot off using auto-thrust; momentarily received Glideslope" aural alert. VSI was within reasonably expected parameters; PAPI showed 1 white / 3 red. Aircraft energy state allowed adequate opportunity to slightly shallow decent rate briefly to return to 2 white / 2 red on PAPI and continue approach."
Second reporter narrative
Just prior to rotation; identified strong odor of burning plastic which matched the previous crews logbook entry of the smell occurring at 10000 in the decent. Due to current speed; elected to continue takeoff. Complied with QRH procedures and FOM guidance to return to ZZZZ and conduct an overweight landing. Priority handling was requested; and Operations and dispatch were contacted to coordinate return into ZZZZ. Initial guidance from ATC was to use RWY XX/XY. Upon completing landing distance requirements for our overweight landing; we utilized RWY XZL with medium brakes.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.