Overview
• Operator: Air Canada Rouge
• Aircraft Model: Airbus A319-100
• Registration: C-FYJP
• Flight Number: RV-1659
• Route: Tampa, FL (USA) → Toronto, ON (Canada)
• Date: 31 January 2025
• Occupants: Passengers and crew unspecified
• Nature of Incident: Smoke and fumes in cabin
• Investigation: Ongoing
Incident Summary
Air Canada Rouge flight RV-1659, operated by an Airbus A319-100 (C-FYJP), was enroute at FL340 approximately 150 nautical miles north of Tampa when the crew detected smoke and strong fumes in the cabin. The flight crew donned oxygen masks, declared an emergency, and initiated a return to Tampa International Airport (TPA).
The aircraft conducted a safe landing on runway 19R approximately 70 minutes after departure. Emergency services met the aircraft and performed air quality assessments before clearing passengers to disembark.
A passenger reported significant irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat due to the strong fumes. Multiple passengers required medical assessment at the scene.
As of 4 February 2025, the aircraft remains grounded in Tampa, approximately 112 hours after landing, pending further technical evaluations.
Sequence of Events
Cruise Phase
• The aircraft was cruising at FL340 when the crew reported smoke and strong fumes in the cabin.
• Passengers and crew experienced eye, nose, and throat irritation.
Emergency Declaration & Diversion
• The flight crew declared an emergency and initiated an immediate return to Tampa.
• The crew donned oxygen masks as a precautionary measure.
Landing & Emergency Response
• The aircraft conducted a priority landing on Tampa’s runway 19R approximately 70 minutes after departure.
• Emergency response teams equipped with air sensor monitors boarded the aircraft to assess air quality.
Passenger Disembarkation
• Following safety clearance, passengers were permitted to disembark under the supervision of emergency crews.
• Several passengers received medical assessments for respiratory irritation.
Aircraft Status
• The aircraft remains out of service in Tampa, undergoing technical inspections to determine the cause of the fumes.
Potential Causes & Technical Analysis
The source of the smoke and fumes remains under investigation, but potential causes include:
1. Environmental Control System (ECS) Contamination
• Oil or hydraulic fluid contamination in the bleed air system could have introduced toxic fumes into the cabin.
• This is a known issue in Airbus aircraft and has been documented in previous fume event incidents.
2. Electrical Malfunction or Overheated Components
• Electrical systems, IFE (In-Flight Entertainment) units, or overheated wiring could have generated smoke or odour.
• Cabin recirculation fans and avionics cooling systems are common points of concern.
3. Burnt Air Conditioning System Components
• A malfunctioning air conditioning pack may have overheated, producing fumes that entered the cabin.
4. Cargo or Galley Equipment Failure
• If improperly stored cargo materials or galley appliances overheated, they could have emitted strong chemical odours.
The crew’s decision to immediately return to Tampa aligns with best practices to mitigate potential toxic exposure risks to passengers and crew.
Investigation & Aircraft Status
• Air Canada Rouge maintenance teams are conducting a detailed systems analysis to identify the root cause.
• Air quality tests and component inspections are ongoing.
• The FAA and Canadian TSB may initiate a formal review if required.
Safety Considerations & Best Practices
• Smoke and fume events pose serious risks, requiring immediate crew intervention to prevent escalation.
• Rapid diversions ensure passenger and crew health is prioritised, reducing prolonged exposure to airborne contaminants.
• Cabin air filtration and ventilation system checks should be regularly conducted to mitigate potential ECS contamination risks.
• Flight attendants and passengers should be trained to recognise fume-related symptoms and report them immediately.
Disclaimer
This report is based on available information as of 4 February 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the completeness of the details cannot be guaranteed. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.
