DHC-8 flight crew reports strong electrical fumes at 10;000 FT 25 miles from their destination. Procedures were complied with and an emergency was declared. After landing the fumes were still strong and the passengers evacuated using the airstair.
Synopsis
DHC-8 flight crew reports strong electrical fumes at 10;000 FT 25 miles from their destination. Procedures were complied with and an emergency was declared. After landing the fumes were still strong and the passengers evacuated using the airstair.
Narrative
While inbound about 25 miles from the field we started to smell burning electronics. My First Officer was the first to say something and asked if I smelled something and of course I said yes. It was apparent that something was burning. The smell rapidly got worse. At that time I gave the order to suit up and communicate. After that drill was completed I asked for the smoke unknown source checklist. There was no sign of smoke at the time; just a strong noxious odor. As the First Officer was getting out the checklist I declared an emergency. Due to the rapid increase of odor I was convinced that something was burning. At this time we ran the checklist. After completing the list we had no recirc fan; bleeds; DC gens; AC gens or batteries. It was VMC and the field was in sight. The Flight Attendant was briefed and told we were very close and to prepare for an Immediate landing. I partially took off my mask to see if the smell had gone away. It was strong and harsh smelling. I replaced my mask. Then the Flight Attendant called and informed us that the cabin was ready for landing. The landing was normal. As I started to brake we were close to A2 Taxiway so I turned off stopped and set the parking brake. At this time I had taken off my mask to evaluate the smell to see if was any better. It was not. I then shut down the aircraft and told tower that we were going to evacuate. The passengers were evacuated out the front air stair door. I asked the First Officer to go out and keep all the passengers in the same area and together. The Flight Attendant followed the last passenger off and kept them together. The fire company determined that nothing was burning at that time. Due to the nature of the emergency I am not aware at this time as to what caused the burning smell.
Second reporter narrative
Around 25 NM from the airport we smelled a strong electrical fire odor; simultaneously we both in accordance came to the conclusion it is something electrical. We did not see any sign of smoke but proceeded to declare an emergency and complete the; 'Fire unknown source checklist;' We turned towards the airport and got vectored. We landed taxied off the runway to a taxiway the odor was still there as we took off our oxygen masks so we decided to shut down the aircraft and off-load the passengers for everyone's safety. I assisted by getting off the airplane while the Flight Attendant remained on board. I directed the passengers to the grass and then the fire fighters took over. One lady fell in the grass where I was standing and she was helped by two gentlemen who appeared to be traveling with her; I immediately notified the EMT and asked him to take a look at her; she refused at that moment to go to the hospital. After we successfully evacuated the passengers the fire fighters came on board. We stayed with the airplane until maintenance came on and looked at it and we taxied to the gate with maintenance on board and the fire fighters followed closely behind us.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.