MD-83
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness; Physiological - Other; Communication Breakdown; Distraction
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; General Physical Injury / Incapacitation; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Company Policy
Prior to boarding Maintenance was informed that a strong odor was in the aircraft cabin and cockpit. The APU was running from the prior crew with the air conditioning pack on. Maintenance advised that it was just the heat causing the odor. I felt that the odor was related to the packs (ACM) running with a possible over temp condition - so I secured the APU and packs (turned both off). The aircraft was boarded after being cleared by Maintenance. Ready to run the preflight checklist I started the APU and turned the right AC pack ON. When we got to the hydraulic check we noted only 2 quarts of fluid. At once we turned the APU OFF and pack OFF and deplaned the passengers.Note: passengers were on board approximately 15 minutes and crew was on board approximately 45 minutes. I noticed the First Officer's eyes were very red. The flight attendants advised me that they all had dry eyes and some degree of a headache. My eyes and nose were irritated and I had an elevated heart rate. The paramedics were called and we all had elevated systolic blood pressure between 150-160. Two flight attendants elected to go to the hospital; one for headache and vomiting and the other for foaming of the mouth and headache. I advised the paramedics that I assumed we were exposed to hydraulic fluid vapors and that the type was Skydrol. They were not familiar with Skydrol nor with dangers of exposure to hydraulic fluid. No guidance was given to our crew for possible exposure to hydraulic fluid/vapors. I asked if we should all go to the hospital and was told that the paramedics can't advise that. I advised the two crew members most affected to go to the hospital. I walked with the remaining crew to the parking garage and advised them to all shower well when they get home to remove any contaminants. Maintenance could research strong odors in the aircraft until a cause is found prior to boarding an aircraft.
A MD-83 Captain reported that he; and his entire crew became ill during preflight after a very strong odor was detected and hydraulic fluid loss were observed with the right pack ON.