EMB ERJ 145 ER/LR
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Communication Breakdown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition
Aircraft
While in cruise phase of flight; we encountered moderate turbulence. The auto pilot disconnected. Pilot flying reduced airspeed. A smell similar to ozone developed on the flight deck. We coordinated with the Flight Attendant. She smelled it as well and attempted to find a source. The smell briefly dissipated but returned. No smoke; fire or other unusual indications were noted. The autopilot was reconnected and functioned normally. The smell continued; therefore as a precaution; we donned the oxygen masks and [notified ATC]. The flight landed without further incident.The unknown source of the odor was the major threat. The ability to communicate with ATC was difficult due to an extremely busy frequency. Once the oxygen masks were on crew communications became more difficult as well. This was my first event that actually required crew coordination while using the masks. Training communication techniques in the actual aircraft with masks on would have been a valuable tool for me.
EMB-145 First Officer reported donning oxygen masks in response to an odor; resulting in difficult communications.