Saab 340 Undifferentiated
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
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
Aircraft
Smoke and fumes in the cabin; fumes in the cockpit. During the final stage of cruise the First Officer and I smelled a strong odor at the same time. Just as we noticed the odor the Flight Attendant called us on the interphone and reported smoke and fumes in the cabin. I told him to don his mask and have the fire extinguisher ready and available. I asked if he saw fire; he said no. He reported the smoke was coming from a lower air vent mid cabin. I told him to update me of any status change and that I will get us down quickly. Being the pilot not flying I put on my mask and goggles followed by the First Officer. I declared an emergency with ATC told them we have smoke and fumes in the cabin and needed immediate vectors to [a nearby airport]. I chose [this airport] because of our altitude and speed with reference to where we were. We asked to keep max speed and start our descent to the airport. I interphoned back to the Flight Attendant that we declared an emergency and that we should be on the ground in less than 20 minutes at the time. He reported that the smoke and fumes were pretty bad. The QRH was pulled and followed with closing of bleeds and fans. After decreasing cabin pressure enough; we opened the outflow valves which helped with smoke removal. After touchdown and taxing to the Customs ramp I called for an evacuation out the main cabin door as soon as engine shut down. Fire rescue was there and ready to assist. My crew worked very well in this emergency situation and communication was very clear. We worked quickly and professionally and were complimented on a job well done in the Customs line by passengers.
SF340 Captain experiences fumes in the cockpit with smoke reporter in the cabin and diverts to the nearest suitable airport.