A320 flight crew experiences Avionics Smoke ECAM at the gate from ground equipment exhaust fumes. After takeoff the warning reappears passing 10;000 FT and crew returns to departure airport after declaring an emergency.
Synopsis
A320 flight crew experiences Avionics Smoke ECAM at the gate from ground equipment exhaust fumes. After takeoff the warning reappears passing 10;000 FT and crew returns to departure airport after declaring an emergency.
Narrative
During preflight; noticed air conditioning cart and fuel truck operating near aircarft while performing walk-around. Minutes before push back Avionics Smoke ECAM illuminated and smoke light on overhead panel as well. After fuel truck and air conditioning cart removed; ECAM warnings cleared out and showed normal. Takeoff was normal and performed by First Officer. After passing about 10;000 FT Avionics Smoke ECAM and Land ASAP illuminated. Notified ATC and First Officer took over radio communications and flew never getting any further than about 30 NM from the airfield. Captain ran ECAM; talked to Flight Attendants about possible smoke and had them run Cabin Advisory checklist. He then ran normal checklists; sent Dispatch a quick ACARS message and set up the box for an opposite direction ILS. First Officer landed the aircraft normally with no irregularities. Aircraft was stopped short of the gate and had Fire Department check for any sign of smoke - there was none. Returned to gate and contacted Maintenance. Flight Attendants commented that they noticed peculiar odor on take-off in the back of the aircraft. Aircraft was inspected; signed-off; re-boarded and flew to destination without incident. Neither Captain; First Officer; or Flight Attendants had any issue with continuing on.
Second reporter narrative
After landing; aircraft was stopped short of gate while Fire Rescue checked aircraft for smoke. After confirmation of no smoke; aircraft was taxied to gate and passengers deplaned. Maintenance notified and Avionics E and E compartments and cargo holds were opened with Fire Rescue standing by. No evidence of any smoke. Flight Attendants reported strange odor in aft cabin after landing. Maintenance checked aircraft and eventually cleared for flight. Uneventful flight followed after all parties briefed on maintenance actions.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.