AAIB investigation to Airbus A320-214, G-EZTK

Avionics fan failure causing vibration and fumes in the cockpit. In the cruise, between Paphos and Athens, 20 January 2017.

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 10 August 2017

• Category: Commercial - fixed wing
• Report type: Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
• Date of occurrence: 20 January 2017
• Aircraft type: Airbus A320-214
• Location: In cruise, between Paphos and Athens
• Registration: G-EZTK

Summary:

The aircraft was in the cruise at FL340 when the crew became aware of a sudden “whirring” noise emanating from beneath the cockpit and forward galley area. This was accompanied by a distinct electrical burning smell in the cockpit. After a discussion with the Senior Cabin Crew (SCC) member the commander decided to divert. The commander and co-pilot donned oxygen masks, declared a PAN and initiated a descent and diversion with ATC clearance. The aircraft landed without further incident and there were no injuries to the passengers or crew. The cause of the noise and source of the burning smell was found to be a bearing failure within the avionics bay cooling extractor fan.

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Airbus A320-214, G-EZTK 08-17

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Glossary of abbreviations

Published 10 August 2017