An air carrier crew declared an emergency while on approach after the Purser reported an electrical smell in the cabin. After deplaning a passenger reported that his laptop computer was emitting electrical fumes in the airport lobby and may have been doing so in the aircraft.
Synopsis
An air carrier crew declared an emergency while on approach after the Purser reported an electrical smell in the cabin. After deplaning a passenger reported that his laptop computer was emitting electrical fumes in the airport lobby and may have been doing so in the aircraft.
Narrative
Approaching the airport the ride was approaching moderate chop so I called the flight attendants to have them be seated. When the Purser picked up he informed me that there was an acrid smell like something electrical was smoldering. There were no obvious indications of fire or actual smoke in the cabin. The smell seemed to be isolated between rows 17 thru 20. I declared an emergency; told the flight attendants to review their evacuation procedure just in case but not to prepare the cabin; and notified dispatch via ACARS. We ran the smoke and fumes QRC checklist; including the additional items; and landed without incident. Upon landing the purser informed me the smell no longer was noticeable so we elected to have the fire department follow us to the gate and deplane normally. During the deplaning one passenger complained of difficulty breathing but declined paramedic help because she thought she knew what it was. I was later informed that once in the lobby she did request assistance and her status is unknown to me. The fire department found no evidence of fire during their post emergency inspection. I also was later informed that one of our passengers smelled the smell in flight but later thought he smelled it again in the lobby coming from his laptop computer. I informed maintenance of this and left.
Second reporter narrative
Flight attendants notified Captain of smoke smell (no visable smoke) in cabin between rows 17-20. We were about 15NM out on approach at 13;000 FT. Captain declared an emergency and was given a turn on downwind for an approach and started decent. Captain continued approach as I ran SMOKE/FUMES/ODOR checklist. Completed checklist and reference items; final decent checklist. Flight attendants did say the smell seemed to diminish once we were on final (this was also just after the checklist directed the left pack to be placed to off). Landed and continued to gate with fire trucks following.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.