A B737-300 flight crew experienced obnoxious odor in the cockpit shortly after takeoff that led to donning oxygen masks; declaring an emergency; and returning to departure airport. Odor later determined to originate from leaking rain repellent container.
Synopsis
A B737-300 flight crew experienced obnoxious odor in the cockpit shortly after takeoff that led to donning oxygen masks; declaring an emergency; and returning to departure airport. Odor later determined to originate from leaking rain repellent container.
Narrative
Passing through about 600 FT AGL on takeoff; an odd smell similar to evergreen or pine sol appeared in the cockpit. Our first thought was that it was an air freshener that was possibly deployed in the forward lavatory. As we continued; the smell became a distracting irritant that was getting stronger in intensity. We donned our masks; declared an emergency; turned back towards [departure airport] and then proceeded with the QRH Smoke/Fire/Fumes Checklist. At no time was there ever an obvious source apparent to us. The Captain conferred with the flight attendants and then advised them to plan a normal landing. We asked Approach Control to notify the Company of our intent to return to the airport. We completed all required checklists and then flew a visual approach. Taxiing to the gate was normal. Passengers were advised and CFR met us at the gate. Rain repellent no longer smells like citrus. Our manuals need to be updated and our crews made aware of the characteristics of the rain repellent in use on our aircraft.
Second reporter narrative
Maintenance and Hazmat individuals seemed unsure of where the odor was coming from or what the odor could have been. Maintenance discovered that the rain repellent had leaked from its container through a loose fitting. We requested the chemical composition of the rain repellent from Maintenance and the Chief Pilot on call and informed them that the Captain was headed for the emergency room because of a rash that had developed.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.