Date: 21st November 2024
Location: New York JFK International Airport, New York, USA
Aircraft: Boeing 767-400, registration N843MH
Operator: Delta Airlines
Flight Number: DL-264
Route: New York JFK to Paris Charles de Gaulle
Occupants: 238 (crew and passengers)
Injuries: None reported
Summary of Events
On 21st November 2024, Delta Airlines flight DL-264, a Boeing 767-400 operating from New York JFK to Paris Charles de Gaulle, experienced fumes on board during its initial climb. Shortly after departure from Runway 04L, the crew stopped the climb at 12,000 feet to assess the situation. The presence of fumes prompted the crew to declare an emergency, and the aircraft returned to JFK for an overweight landing on Runway 04L approximately 40 minutes after takeoff.
The situation was reported to have improved during the return flight, and the aircraft landed safely without injuries. The aircraft was repositioned to Atlanta on 22nd November for further inspection and returned to service on 27th November 2024.
Aircraft Information
The Boeing 767-400 is a twin-engine wide-body aircraft used for medium to long-haul routes. Its environmental control system circulates conditioned air throughout the cabin, with bleed air from the engines supplying pressurisation and ventilation. Fumes on board can result from various sources, including oil or hydraulic fluid leaks, electrical system faults, or external environmental factors.
Sequence of Events
1. Takeoff and Initial Climb:
• The aircraft departed JFK’s Runway 04L for a scheduled transatlantic flight.
• During the climb, the crew detected fumes in the cabin and cockpit.
2. Emergency Declaration:
• At 12,000 feet, the crew stopped the climb and began troubleshooting the source of the fumes.
• The crew declared an emergency and coordinated with air traffic control for a priority return to JFK.
3. Return to JFK:
• The aircraft performed an overweight landing on Runway 04L.
• Emergency services were on standby but were not required as the landing was uneventful.
4. Post-Incident Actions:
• Passengers disembarked safely, and the aircraft was inspected.
• It was later repositioned to Delta’s maintenance hub in Atlanta for further evaluation.
Initial Findings
Potential Sources of Fumes
1. Bleed Air Contamination:
• A leak of engine oil or hydraulic fluid into the bleed air system may have caused the fumes.
2. Electrical Faults:
• Overheating components or wiring issues in the cabin or avionics bay could have emitted fumes.
3. Environmental Factors:
• External sources, such as aircraft de-icing fluid or nearby ground operations, might have contributed to the event.
Maintenance Actions
• Inspection of bleed air and environmental control systems, focusing on seals, filters, and ducting.
• Examination of electrical and avionics systems for signs of overheating or damage.
• Testing of cabin air quality and ventilation performance.
• Review of maintenance history to identify potential recurring issues.
Safety Risks
1. Passenger and Crew Health:
• Exposure to fumes can cause discomfort or potential toxicological effects, depending on the source and concentration.
2. Distraction During Critical Flight Phases:
• Handling smoke or fumes increases crew workload and can impact decision-making during critical phases of flight.
3. Operational Disruptions:
• Emergency landings and subsequent inspections can lead to delays and financial implications for the airline.
Recommendations
1. Bleed Air System Inspections:
• Perform regular checks on engine seals and bleed air ducts to prevent contamination.
2. Air Quality Monitoring:
• Equip aircraft with real-time air quality sensors to detect and identify fumes promptly.
3. Crew Training:
• Reinforce procedures for handling in-flight fumes and emergency landings during recurrent training.
4. Maintenance Protocols:
• Conduct thorough investigations and root cause analyses for all fume incidents to prevent recurrence.
Safety Lessons and Industry Impact
This incident underscores the importance of robust maintenance practices and crew training to handle smoke and fume events effectively. The crew’s prompt decision-making and adherence to emergency procedures ensured the safety of all on board, highlighting the critical role of operational preparedness in mitigating risks.
Disclaimer
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Our investigation reports are based on all the evidence and facts we have at the time of writing and posting. We apologise if any details are missed or are not fully accurate.
