B767-300 and 300 ER
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 90; Flight Crew Total 9000; Flight Crew Type 2400
Physiological - Other; Time Pressure; Training / Qualification
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Declared Emergency; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
At FL390 both pilots simultaneously experienced very strong chemical odor/fumes. We both could feel it quickly affecting our lungs. We both went on oxygen; declared an emergency; turned towards a nearby airport and began running the smoke and fume checklist. We notified Dispatch via ACARS of a divert; requested fire and rescue meet us. We checked the weather at the divert airport and proceeded direct runway for a visual approach.
The reporter stated that the Forward Recirculation Fan failed without any indication nor did the circuit breaker pop.
[This report contained no additional information].
A B767-300 Forward Recirculation Fan failed in flight causing very strong chemical odor/fumes so; after donning oxygen masks; an emergency was declared and the flight diverted to a nearby airport.