A320
Flight Attendant Current
Physiological - Other
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury
Aircraft Equipment Problem Dissipated; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Human Factors; Procedure
We experienced the toxic fumes (associated with dirty socks or laundry) after the gear came down on approach. The odor permeated the cabin from the exit rows to the rear of the aircraft. 'B' Flight Attendant immediately came forward to notify me and the 'C' to cover our noses and mouths. Except for having to speak and breathe for the arrival announcement; I kept my nose and mouth covered. Passengers toward the rear; Rows 23-25; were complaining of a foul musty smell. Passengers deplaned without incident. During our short turn; the Captain had another airline's Mechanic inspect the aircraft. My complaint after the incident entailed a bad taste in my mouth (metallic) that originally felt like I had hair on my tongue. Neither liquids nor gum would take it away. I also developed a dull headache. These symptoms stayed with me until I was almost back in my domicile. The other Flight Attendant and I stayed out on the stairs - in the fresh air - during our short turn. After the aircraft was checked out; we did fly the flight back to our domicile; no more incidents were reported upon landing. A Mechanic checked the aircraft out after we landed. He discussed with the Captain what could have caused the fumes/odor to permeate the cabin exit rows to the rear of the aircraft after the gear came down; on approach for landing. This is not the first time I've been involved in a toxic fume incident but it is the first time I have felt the effects. From what I could understand from listening to the Captain and the Mechanic; it is still an oil problem that leaks into the system that bleeds into the cabin air. The problem is still occurring.
An A320 Flight Attendant reported a dirty socks odor when the landing gear was extended after which she developed a headache; and a metallic taste in her mouth.