Airbus Industrie Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Physiological - Other; Time Pressure; Workload
Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; General Evacuated
Company Policy; Human Factors; Procedure
After parking at the gate; ECAM: 'SMOKE AFT CARGO SMOKE'. Followed Airbus procedural steps with FO; identified as ECAM action checklist; followed ECAM and noted 'if aft cargo closed' step. Aft cargo indicated closed; so proceeded to 'agent discharge' and then 'Passenger disembark'. I contacted Purser and ordered FAs to initiate emergency deplaning via Jet Bridge and aft stairs (Passengers on ramp were escorted to immigration via terminal door). I called Tower and in plain English stated 'request fire truck to aircraft'; was advised no smoke seen and truck on the way. I completely shut aircraft down after last passenger and FA was off (I walked aisle to check) and Fire Chief opened aft cargo door. No sign of any fire in compartment. Two FAs treated at scene for fume inhalation; no other injuries reported.Afterwards; station personnel came to me and informed me that it is normal procedure in MHLM after engine shutdown for them to open cargo compartments and spray insecticide (sitracsum) into bay; then shut the cargo door again. Apparently; this has caused warnings before; but there has been no notification to crews about this; nor are there any messages or anything to inform crews about this. This puts the crew in the impossible position of having to decide if the smoke warning is real or not; with disturbing implications for other similar scenarios.INFORM CREWS OF THIS! This is a classic breakdown in chain of information distribution that could have led to serious injuries. I suggest that this insecticide procedure be halted at once until further tests and/or Airbus manufacturer approval be obtained for this substance.
Airbus Captain reported receiving a SMOKE AFT CARGO ECAM during deplaning. It was later determined the alarm was caused by insecticide sprayed into the compartment by ground personnel.