A320
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Physiological - Other; Distraction; Situational Awareness; Troubleshooting; Time Pressure
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; General Declared Emergency; General Maintenance Action; General Physical Injury / Incapacitation
Aircraft
Shortly after passing 10;000 FT in our climb; the Lead Flight Attendant called to inform us of a strong electrical smell in the forward galley area. Our conversation included old food in the ovens or coffee that had spilled onto the hot pad. In the cockpit; we only had a faint smell of cheap perfume or a weak solvent. The consensus was that the odor was dissipating after a few minutes; but 5-10 minutes later the Lead Flight Attendant called to say that she and 2 other flight attendants were experiencing respiratory distress (burning throats; irritated nasal passages) as well as irritated eyes. The First Officer and I didn't notice any irritation; but elected to go on oxygen as a precaution and declared an emergency and diverted back to the departure airport. The Lead Flight Attendant was cared for by a paramedic/passenger and then was cared for by paramedics that had met the aircraft at the gate. I don't know what caused the event; but the number one engine had been replaced and this was the first revenue flight for that engine. The IDG oil cooler on that same engine was also replaced during the same maintenance session. When cabin odor reports are submitted; an extensive checklist is followed to try to isolate the source of the odor. Why not use the same checklist to inspect the aircraft any time a piece is replaced that has a direct contact with the pneumatic system or air recirculation. One step further would be a requirement for a test flight.
An A320 Lead Flight Attendant became ill after a strong electrical smell developed in the forward galley during climb; an emergency was declared and the flight returned to the departure airport.