EMB ERJ 145 ER/LR
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Distraction; Physiological - Other; Situational Awareness; Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Aircraft; Environment - Non Weather Related; Company Policy
We were nearly three hours behind schedule due to a late inbound with a deferred right PACK. We were level at a cruise altitude of 25;000 feet. Both pilots smelled an odor similar to a lit match. There was a very faint smoke on the flight deck. We immediately went on oxygen and established communications. The Flight Attendant called and reported a similar condition in the cabin with unusual noise; vibrations; and an electrical burning smell. We contacted ATC and got an immediate descent to 10;000 feet. Spoilers and a VMO/MMO descent was used. ATC asked nature of difficulty and intentions. I reported that we had one air conditioning PACK off due to MEL guidance and the other started making smoke. We planned to descend and run checklists and then reassess if a divert was necessary. ATC cleared us direct to the airport. The Captain ran checklists while I flew the plane and worked the radios. There was very little smoke to begin with and it cleared quickly.Once level at 10;000 feet and the smoke was clear both in the cabin and flight deck; we both came off oxygen. The cabin fire or smoke; electrical fire; and air conditioning smoke checklists had been accomplished to the point that the recirculation fan was off; the shed bus was off; the remaining PACK was shut down and the cabin altitude was 6;000 feet nominal. We transferred control and radios to the Captain and I went through the checklists and also checked the MEL for the PACK deferral and could not find anything he missed. The left PACK caused the smoke due to; the type of odor; the unusual noise and vibration reported by the Flight Attendant; and the rapid clearing of the smoke with the reduced bleed air during the descent to 10;000 feet. The cabin temperature was normal but the flight deck temperature was over 80 degrees which seemed appropriate for both PACKs inoperative. So; complying with the air conditioning smoke checklist we considered diversion. Two airports were discussed. We updated the FMS and determined fuel was more than sufficient to continue to our destination at 10;000 feet. We made a decision to continue to our destination.As we proceeded along the route the Captain notified the dispatcher and made a PA to comfort the passengers. ATC offered possible divert airports but conditions still allowed a safe continuation to our destination. To help stay cool on the flight deck our Flight Attendant brought us each a cup of ice and water. She had also served water to the passengers to help keep them cool. On arrival to ATC again queried us as to our status as an emergency. When we said we were not; they put us on the normal 25 mile downwind to an uneventful landing. Agents met the passengers at the gate. None of the passengers including small children appeared to be upset by the event.Threats were; the high workload of the situation; and the very poor microphone placement in the oxygen mask which hampered communications with ATC and the Flight Attendant especially. Also; the oxygen mask can be very uncomfortable especially if it is donned with the headset still on. We could have declared an emergency; but there was not much smoke and it cleared quickly. I think it would be good if a note was placed in the manual informing crews that the oxygen mask is very uncomfortable unless they remove their headset before donning the mask. Once the mask is donned; the headset can be re-donned.
EMB-145 First Officer reported smoke and odors in the cockpit and cabin.