At the top of descent with the engines at idle; an entire B737-400 aircraft filled with toxic fumes affecting the entire crew and requiring medical attention after landing. Tricresyl phosphate (TCP) was suspected.
Synopsis
At the top of descent with the engines at idle; an entire B737-400 aircraft filled with toxic fumes affecting the entire crew and requiring medical attention after landing. Tricresyl phosphate (TCP) was suspected.
Narrative
Toxic fumes on descent. Upon descent from TOD; engines at idle; fumes became strong and onset quickly. My First Officer and I were discussing such when we were alerted by the 'A' Flight Attendant of toxic fumes in the passenger cabin. We ran the SMOKE AND FUMES checklist in the QRH; instructed the flight attendants to use protective breathing if possible; went to high flow on the packs; and expedited our arrival into our destination. Upon arrival; all crewmembers were affected; eyes; throat; nasal; and headaches. We called Dispatch; Maintenance; and communicated with the Chief Pilot's office. [We] went to a local hospital for toxic screening. Most conditions passed over the next four hours. I personally still have an elevated pulse; blood pressure; and headache. Apparently; an element known as T.C.P. is the likely cause of the event. An element in the engine oil; vaporizing into the air conditioning system; this is not a new event. This aircraft has had previous similar events; one I believe as recent as just a few days. I am not a chemist; however; I believe there are solutions to the oil problem. More extensive maintenance and research on this would be a good place for more resources.
NASA callback
The Reporter stated that the smell was that of dirty socks. He is very concerned about this event because of the 25-30 minute exposure duration and high concentration of the smell. Putting the packs to high did help somewhat but the entire crew had similar symptoms at the flight's end. His light headed condition persisted for a day or two. One of the flight attendants had medically diagnosed blood chemicals which exhibited similar to carbon monoxide. The entire crew's oxygen level tested in the normal range at the hospital. This particular aircraft had another similar event two days later which resulted in an engine change.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.