Dash 8-100
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Physiological - Other
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft; Human Factors
Flight crew detected exhaust-like fumes during climb and then cruise. We checked with the Flight Attendant to see if she noticed any fumes. She did not. We decided that we were still detecting the fumes and decided to suit-up with the Oxygen masks. We declared emergency with Center with a divert to a suitable airport. We did the Fuselage Fire or Smoke; Unknown Source checklist and landed. We declared an emergency and diverted because we were getting exhaust-like fumes in the cockpit and we were not feeling 100% well physically. Passengers claimed that they all felt fine and deplaned normally. Captain and First Officer were checked by paramedics. Medics recommended that we go to hospital to be checked further. Captain; First Officer; and Flight Attendant were checked at the hospital and later released.
After departing; the Captain inquired of smelling exhaust fumes. I concurred and anticipated it was temporary and would evacuate on its own. I thought it may have come from other aircraft we were taxing behind. I had opened my cockpits vents to allow more air flow and to dissipate the smell. Shortly afterwards I had taken an Excedrin for a headache. We continued the flight and a little while later I had inquired with the Captain if he still smelled the fumes. We both agreed that it still remained and decided to put the oxygen masks on. After the Captain had read through the Emergency checklist he asked the Flight Attendant if she smelled anything; (she said no). The Flight Attendant was informed and told to prepare the cabin for diversion and no need for brace. Upon landing the passengers were disembarked to the terminal. We both felt that the fumes were affecting the way we felt. Irritation in the chest and labored breathing.
DHC8-100 flight crew reports smelling exhaust like fumes during climb and cruise. The Flight Attendant and passengers do not notice any fumes but the crew elects to divert.