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8Apr/08Off

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7Apr/081

Cockpit Crasher

It's up to the flight crew on a ferry flight to ensure that the cabin is secure. Here's a B737 First Officer's graphic description of what can happen when that duty is neglected.

...My Captain and I...began preparations for our [ferry] flight. I performed a walkaround inspection then went back to the cockpit to perform the rest of my preflight duties. The aircraft had already been de-catered...and our service rep and another service staff member were on board finishing cleaning. After the cleaning was completed, our rep advised us that all services were completed...My Captain and I performed our normal cockpit duties and departed. We left the cockpit door open. The flight was uneventful...The aircraft touched down smoothly, in the touchdown zone. I applied reverse thrust upon touchdown, then quickly began reducing toward idle. The rate of deceleration was very gradual. At 80 knots, the Captain took control of the aircraft with reverse at idle, and Autobrakes disengaged. At this point a catering cart entered the cockpit at an extremely high velocity and impacted the center console, simultaneously striking me in the left arm. The cart had temporarily departed the floor and came over the top of the center console. Liquid was dispersed all over the cockpit and we smelled something that appeared to be burning. The Captain maintained control of the aircraft and exited the runway at our assigned taxiway. The burning smell quickly went away. The Captain stopped the aircraft, set the parking brake, and we assessed the damage. The panel lighting on the center console was inoperative and the structure of the console was bent slightly. The cart also had major structural damage. There was nothing affecting our safe progression to the gate, so we elected to continue to parking. Once at the gate, we realized that there was further structural damage to the center console, as well as minor damage to 2 cabin seats.

We concluded that the cart had traveled forward from its housing in the aft galley. This event could have been prevented if we had inspected the galleys after the flight attendants and caterers departed the aircraft. It also could have been prevented if we had secured the flight deck door prior to departure.

Source: Nasa ASRS

Filed under: Aviation, Nasa ASRS 1 Comment
7Apr/080

Fumes in the cockpit

For an MD-83 flight crew, fumes in the cockpit led to the discovery of an unexpected source.

Level at 33,000 feet...a strong odor similar to paint thinner was detected by both pilots. Cockpit crew initiated a fume checklist. After securing mask and goggles, cockpit crew established communications with flight attendants. The number one flight attendant reported that he also smelled a strong odor and a flight attendant in the aft of the aircraft also reported an odor. Since we were not able to determine the source of the strong odor, and considering that all of the flight crew reported noticing the smell, the flight crew determined that an emergency should be declared, followed by a divert to ZZZ. After declaring the emergency, ATC cleared the flight to turn 180 degrees for vectors toward ZZZ. As the aircraft was in the turn, the number one flight attendant called the cockpit and informed the crew that the source of the fume-like odor was identified. Apparently, two children sitting in First Class had just begun to color with ink markers. The flight attendant reported, without a doubt, that the smell was coming from the ink being applied to the paper. This was verified by the other flight attendants working the flight, as well as by a pilot in uniform commuting to work. The number one flight attendant reported that the marker is printed with a warning to avoid use of the marker at high altitudes, or in confined spaces....

ATC was then informed that we discovered the source of the unusual odor, and that the situation was now safe and under control. We rescinded the emergency declaration and requested vectors to continue the flight on to our destination. We landed on time, without incident.

Source: Nasa Callback