AAIB investigation to Airbus A320-232, G-EUYB
Fumes on the flight deck, on approach to London Heathrow Airport, 23 September 2019.
Summary:
During approach to London Heathrow Airport the flight crew detected strong acrid fumes on the flight deck. They both donned oxygen masks and continued to land at Heathrow. After shutting down on a taxiway and removing their masks, the co-pilot became incapacitated and the commander felt unwell; both pilots were taken to hospital but released later that day.
Investigations carried out by the AAIB and the operator did not identify the source of the fumes.
Numerous other similar fume events have been reported to the AAIB and the CAA. This report reviews five other similar events which occurred with the same operator on the same aircraft type. It was not possible to identify the cause of these events, but, several common features have been identified.
The operator and aircraft manufacturer have taken action to try to reduce the number of events, which includes; the development of detailed maintenance procedures to identify the source of fumes, changes to flight crew operating procedures and the evaluation of modifications to enhance cabin air recirculation filtration systems.
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