Airbus A319-131, G-EUPF, 30 October 2005
Airbus A319-131, G-EUPF
Summary:
Following takeoff from Aberdeen, failure messages related to ILS and GPWS illuminated, and the cabin crew became aware of a smell in the forward cabin area. The strange smell then became evident on the flight deck and there was an increase in cabin temperature. The flight crew donned their oxygen masks, declared an emergency and returned to Aberdeen. After landing the smell had dissipated. On the previous flight, ILS 1 and the pressurisation system were not working correctly and after landing the ‘AVIONICS VENT SYS FAULT’ message appeared on the engine and warning display. After the event it was suspected that the problem lay with the avionics cooling system, so the avionics vent fan and filter were replaced. There was no repeat of the strange smell on subsequent flight sectors. Examination revealed noisy and worn bearings. The avionics vent fan manufacturer has issued a Vendor Service Bulletin 3454-21-108, which replaces the current steel ball bearings with an improved type utilising ceramic ball bearings. The aircraft manufacturer has issued a service information letter (SIL 21-141) which notifies aircraft operators.
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