Date: 8th December 2024
Location: Houston Intercontinental Airport, Texas, USA
Aircraft: Embraer ERJ-145, registration N11164
Operator: CommutAir (on behalf of United Airlines)
Flight Number: UA-4878
Route: Mobile, Alabama, USA to Houston, Texas, USA
Occupants: Unknown
Injuries: None reported
Summary of Events
On 8th December 2024, CommutAir flight UA-4878, operating on behalf of United Airlines, reported fumes on the flight deck during its approach to Houston Intercontinental Airport. The Embraer ERJ-145 continued for a safe landing on runway 27 and taxied clear of the runway without further incident.
The aircraft remained grounded at Houston for further inspection and investigation, with no immediate resumption of service 25 hours after the event.
Aircraft Information
The Embraer ERJ-145 is a twin-engine regional jet designed for short to medium-haul operations. Its systems include air conditioning and cabin pressurisation derived from bleed air supplied by the engines. Contaminated bleed air can introduce fumes into the cabin and cockpit environment.
Sequence of Events
1. Descent and Approach Phase:
• The crew detected fumes on the flight deck during descent towards Houston.
2. Landing:
• Despite the reported fumes, the flight crew maintained control and executed a normal landing on runway 27.
3. Post-Landing Actions:
• The aircraft vacated the runway without further incident and was parked for inspection.
Initial Findings
Potential Sources of Fumes
1. Bleed Air Contamination:
• Engine or Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) oil or hydraulic fluid leakage into the bleed air supply could have caused the fumes.
2. Electrical System Issues:
• Overheating components in the cockpit, such as wiring or avionics, may have emitted odours or smoke-like fumes.
3. Environmental Factors:
• External sources, such as ground pollution or exhaust gases, might have been ingested into the air supply during descent.
4. Cabin Systems Malfunction:
• Failures in the Environmental Control System (ECS) could have introduced fumes into the cockpit environment.
Safety Risks
1. Crew Impairment:
• Fumes in the cockpit pose significant risks of crew disorientation, reduced cognitive function, and potential incapacitation.
2. Distraction During Critical Phases of Flight:
• Managing fumes during approach increases crew workload, potentially affecting operational safety.
3. Operational Impact:
• Extended grounding of the aircraft disrupts schedules and necessitates detailed inspections and repairs.
Recommendations
1. Inspection and Maintenance:
• Conduct a thorough inspection of the bleed air systems, engine seals, and environmental control systems to identify the source of contamination.
2. Crew Training:
• Enhance training on recognising and responding to fumes, including use of oxygen masks and emergency procedures.
3. Monitoring Systems:
• Install advanced air quality monitoring systems to provide early detection of fumes or contaminants in the cockpit and cabin.
4. Incident Reporting:
• Emphasise prompt reporting and investigation of similar incidents to identify trends and mitigate risks.
5. Fleet-Wide Checks:
• Conduct a review of maintenance records and perform proactive inspections on other ERJ-145 aircraft in the fleet for similar issues.
Safety Lessons
This incident underscores the importance of swift crew response to unusual odours or fumes in the cockpit, especially during critical flight phases. Enhanced maintenance protocols and robust training can mitigate risks and ensure safe outcomes in similar scenarios.
Disclaimer
If you are the rightful owner of the photo and wish it to be taken down, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.
Our investigation reports are based on all the evidence and facts available at the time of writing and posting. We apologise if any details are missed or are not fully accurate.
