A320
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 200; Flight Crew Total 10000; Flight Crew Type 1500
Situational Awareness; Time Pressure; Training / Qualification; Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Aircraft Equipment Problem Dissipated; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
I was operating as the pilot not flying. Received a call from the Lead [Flight Attendant] telling me there was a strong burning plastic smell from the aft galley. He briefed me on the actions he and the other two flight attendants took to locate the source and mitigate it. They were unable to locate the source and asked if one of us could come back and take a look. My initial concern was someone might be trying to breach the cockpit. I don't like the cart being moved or a pilot going into the cabin during flight. We established security was normal and decided the First Officer would go to the aft galley. I got the weather for an airport (we were less than 100 NM from it) and other airports along our route. I fully expected the First Officer to return and tell me he found the problem and it was nothing of note. Upon his return; the First Officer expressed concern about the burning smell. I told the Lead that at that time we might be diverting. I'd let him know in a few minutes. At the same time; I sent an ACARS to Dispatch to call me with Maintenance Control. After the Lead left the flight deck; the First Officer further briefed me as to his opinion. He then told me 'Captain; in my best crew resource management; I strongly recommend divert.' Dispatch was on the radio at this time. Dispatch was breaking up and hard to understand; Maintenance was impossible to understand. I gave the radios and aircraft to the First Officer; told him to declare an emergency. We donned our oxygen masks; established communications. I told the flight attendants we were diverting; made an announcement that we were making a precautionary landing; sent an ACARS to Dispatch in case he didn't copy while on the radio; got the ATIS; loaded the box for the arrival to divert city. I turned off the Galley/CAB switch then inquired the cabin crew about the burning smell. I have to admit; Swissair accident was going through my mind; the speed of that fire. I was informed that after I turned off the power; the smell went away. We landed on the runway. Almost the entire event went smooth; no additional threats; just as trained at the training center. Great CRM between pilots and cabin; the only real problem I saw was our new Flight Manual format. It took too long to find information and checklists. We need tabs in it. I wanted to review the Smoke/Fumes checklist in case it was needed later; took too long to find. I would have liked a little systems review; took too long to find. Since my iPad was off; I didn't try it. It would take too long to boot up and too many sign-ins.
An A320 Lead Flight Attendant notified the Captain of an aft galley burning plastic smell. After the First Officer investigated; an emergency was declared and the flight diverted to an enroute airport.