Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Human Factors; Environment - Non Weather Related
During the cockpit preparation; the First Officer and I noticed that the maintenance logbook showed the yellow hydraulic system had been serviced twice in the past eight days. We noticed it was within limits during our pre-flight check but toward the low end of the reservoir. During climb our 'B' Flight Attendant called and stated she was smelling a 'dirty sock smell' in her galley. She said the smell was intermittent and seemed to be only coming from one vent in the aft galley. Two other flight attendants said they smelled the odor and two did not. The First Officer and I referenced the QRH; followed the flowchart for and odor event and at no time reached a point that directed us to do anything but continue to monitor the situation. We continued to our destination and had a normal landing. After block in; we entered the odor event in the logbook and also noticed that once again the yellow hydraulic system needed service; so we also entered that discrepancy into the logbook. Our Contract Mechanic found a leak at the drain port for the yellow system and also noticed hydraulic fluid on the belly of the airplane. In the opinion of the mechanic; he believes that hydraulic fluid contaminated the air-conditioning packs causing the odor in the airplane. At the time of this report; no crew members have reported any symptoms or medical issues. If a hydraulic system is requiring excessive servicing a leak check should be done.
A321 Captain reported being notified by Flight Attendant of 'dirty socks odor' during initial climb. Maintenance at destination identified hydraulic system leak as source of odor.