This presentation describes the relative frequency of oil and hydraulic fluid fumes in the ventilation supply air ("fume events") as reported by US airlines to the Federal Aviation Administration over a recent four-year period. Engine oil and hydraulic fluid were the most prevalent sources of reported onboard fumes (45%), followed by electrical systems (20%), and fans (5.8%). The author compared these findings to those from a similar review of smoke and fume events that US airlines reported to the FAA from 2002-11. The author also characterized how the US fleet changed from 2002 to 2023, and whether aircraft type is a risk factor for fume events. The data show that during the recent study period, A320F aircraft made up 20% of the US fleet, but 75% of the reported fume events. Conversely, B737F aircraft made up 27% of the US fleet, but only 3.3% of the reported fume events. The reports indicate that the location and design of the APU inlet on A320F aircraft is problematic. To avoid repeat events, maintenance staff must find and address the source of fumes and then must clean contaminated ducting and system components downstream.
This is a publication from the International Aircraft Cabin Air Conference 2024 (London, 17-18 September 2024)
