A319
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
General Flight Cancelled / Delayed
Procedure; Aircraft
Upon entering the jet bridge the F/As (Flight Attendants) and I noticed a strong 'dirty sock' odor approximately 30 ft from entering the main cabin door and upon entering the aircraft the odor was very intense. I immediately turned off the APU bleed that was on as I entered the aircraft. The FAs opened both rear exit doors to help with ventilation. I notified Maintenance Control and the APU was deferred before departure. Rain was occurring during the event. A pack burnout was not performed prior to our departure. We departed with the odor no longer present until we started our descent at approximately 12;000 ft with rain showers along the approach. I turned off Pack 1 with no change to the odor in the cockpit and then Pack 2 with the odor still present in the cabin. [Medical assistance] was called for the crew members at that time who were not feeling well. It included myself; the first officer and a flight attendant. After consultations we were removed from working the return flight and were on passenger only status. While waiting for hotel accommodations; my flight attendant fainted and the paramedics were called and she was taken to the emergency room for the evening for medical care. The return flight was canceled.Perform a pack burnout before returning the aircraft to service. Are we tracking when these incidents occur most often? Is it occurring in the first flight of the day or on the third or fourth leg of the day for that aircraft? Also what are the weather conditions when these happen; such as higher humidity levels or rain present? Appears just immediately deferring the APU is not solving these issues when I talked to other pilots that have had these issues.
Maintenance only action was [deferred maintenance] of APU. No venting of pack was performed. Odor on approach was stronger than before.
A319 Flight Crew reported a strong 'dirty sock' odor in the cabin before and during flight which resulted in hospitalization of a Flight Attendant.