B747-400
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 200; Flight Crew Total 20000; Flight Crew Type 5000
Distraction; Situational Awareness; Workload; Communication Breakdown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Declared Emergency; General Maintenance Action
Human Factors; Aircraft; Equipment / Tooling
At approximately 2;500 FT on approach; both First Officer main flight instruments failed (PFD and ND). There was a short delay; and then the PFD switched to the ND CRT. The outboard CRT [PFD] remained blank; and a strong electrical burning odor was detected. Oxygen masks were donned; and a decision to declare an emergency was made; and the approach was continued to an uneventful landing. Rescue trucks were waiting (not requested); and followed us to the gate. There was no time to advise the flight attendants; as we were less than 2-3 minutes from landing; and in the process of configuring for landing. We did not have time to run any Smoke/Fumes Checklists; as the decision to land as soon as possible was made.
Reporter stated they did not see any smoke; fire or hear any popping sound; just a very strong electrical odor they could smell. Maintenance found the electrical connector to the First Officer's PFD (outboard CRT display) had 'burned up'. The Captain for the outbound flight said the same PFD had been replaced twice before Reporter's flight and now he wasn't so sure he wanted to take the same aircraft back out unless Maintenance corrected the problem. Reporter noted that flight crews are limited as to what maintenance documents they can access; but hasn't heard of any further problems with the PFDs on that aircraft.
On final approach; First Officer's (mine) PFD and ND blanked. My PFD reappeared on the inboard screen followed by a strong electrical burning odor. Donned O2 oxygen mask; declared an emergency and landed uneventfully.
Two B747-400 pilots report a First Officer's PFD and ND failed on final approach with a very strong electrical odor in the flight deck. They also noted they did not have enough time to advise the flight attendants or run the Smoke/Fumes Checklists.