A320
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 160; Flight Crew Total 11700; Flight Crew Type 2148
Physiological - Other; Situational Awareness; Distraction; Troubleshooting; Time Pressure
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
During flight; pilots noticed unusual noise from what they thought was the air conditioning system. Noise sounded like a loud whine and continued to get louder until stopping suddenly. VENT EXTRACT FAULT ECAM message appeared concurrently with switch fault light and strong electrical odor/smoke in cockpit. Pilots donned oxygen masks and established communication with each other and cabin crew. QRC was accomplished as well as reference actions and checklist for VENT EXTRACT FAULT ECAM. First Officer flew plane to the divert airport while Captain ran checklists and managed situation. Captain directed First Officer to continue descending at 300 KTS below 10;000 FT to expedite arrival at the divert airport. After visual scan by Crash/Fire rescue personnel; aircraft taxied to gate. Cabin crew was briefed during descent and two PA announcements were made to passengers to keep them updated. Captain's overall impression is that everyone did a great job. The First Officer performed admirably; the Lead Flight Attendant stated during the debrief his complete satisfaction and thoroughness in the Cockpit/Cabin communications. ATC provided expedited handling and the ARFF crews were by the runway during our landing.
During cruise flight; noticed a noise followed by a VENT FAN ECAM. Cockpit immediately filled with an electric; burning type smell. Did not see any smoke. O2 mask donned; crew communication established. Ran ECAM; no effect. Started to divert; I stayed on controls and handled the radio. Captain ran Smoke/Fumes Checklist. Smell did not dissipate. Descended through 10;000 FT and briefly kept speed up above 250 to expedite in case smell turned into actual smoke or fire. Cleared for visual 1L; uneventful landing with masks still on. Crash; Fire; Rescue inspected aircraft; no signs of smoke.
An A320 developed an air conditioning system noise followed by a VENT EXTRACT FAULT ECAM and a strong electrical odor in flight. An emergency was declared and the QRH complied with including a diversion to a nearby airport.