B757-200
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 180; Flight Crew Total 10000; Flight Crew Type 6000
Troubleshooting; Physiological - Other
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; Flight Crew Returned To Gate; General Declared Emergency; General Release Refused / Aircraft Not Accepted; General Physical Injury / Incapacitation; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed; General Maintenance Action
Human Factors; Aircraft
Returned to gate after noting an intermittent petroleum odor by flight attendants and pilots. Maintenance personnel confirmed oil odor in cabin immediately upon boarding aircraft. Physical response to exposure after blocking in: redness; itchy eyes; sore throat; followed by a headache. Initial treatment: flushed eyes with water; hydration; and aspirin for headache. Filed Occupational Report with Pilot Service Center. Follow on doctor's visit confirmed irritation of eyes; throat. Eye drops prescribed. Work clearance received five days later.
I was Flight Attendant #2 on flight and noticed a layer of smoke in the cabin while standing at demo position (in front of Row 1 in First class). The smoke was a filmy gray color that did not seem to move from the business /economy class bulkhead which is row 10-15. I originally thought that the smoke came from condensation from the air condition. Upon the completion of the demo my colleagues and I discussed the visible smoke and realized that this was abnormal. Lead Flight Attendant contacted the cockpit immediately. After speaking with the Captain Lead Flight Attendant communicated that the pilots where going to turn on the packs (that may help the smoke to dissipate) and then come back to do a visual check. I remained in the first class galley protecting the cockpit as the First Officer walked to the rear of the aircraft and back (checking the smoke). After the packs where turned on the smoke appeared to dissipate a little however a smell of fuel began to fill the galley area where I was standing. The cockpit later informed the crew that the smell in the cabin was abnormal and that we were returning to the gate. Once the plane began moving I noticed an odd taste of metal and a feeling of nausea. By the time we reached the gate and all passengers deplaned I was experiencing a headache in addition to the other two symptoms. The crew was met by a Company Supervisor and where later taken to a medical facility for medical evaluation.
Smoke and fumes developed in a B757 cabin during taxi; causing nausea; a metallic taste; and eye irritation. The Captain declared an emergency and returned to the gate where APU oil was found in the air conditioning system.