A319
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Physiological - Other; Distraction
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
General Physical Injury / Incapacitation; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Procedure
During preflight; the APU was started to warm the cold cabin up. After a short period of time; an odor was noticed that was unusual. The APU bleed was turned off and maintenance was called. Maintenance arrived and agreed that the smell was unusual. After he discussed it with Maintenance Control; the decision was made to defer the APU bleed so that the flight could continue. The flight departed with no issues. During decent into our destination at approximately 10;000 ft; the flight attendant called saying they noticed a smell as well. The smell seemed to dissipate slightly until approximately 3;500 ft when it reappeared. The flight landed without issue and taxied to the gate. After parking; all of the crew members started having different symptoms including headaches; nausea; an oily taste; and other symptoms. Maintenance was called and the gate agent was advised to hold off on boarding. All crew members called the nurse line and all but myself were advised to be seen by medical professionals. While the flight crew was at the Urgent Care facility; flight attendants were originally asked to crew the flight back to the previous airport and the flight crew was asked to deadhead back on that flight. The whole crew was eventually pulled from that leg and put to rest. The Mechanic that came to inspect the aircraft after landing indicated that the aircraft has had recurring issues with fumes.[Recommend] further inspections on that aircraft to isolate the issue.
A319 First Officer reported that during preflight Maintenance placed an MEL on the APU after the previous crew reported an odd odor. During descent the odor returned. After landing all crew members reported headaches; nausea; and other symptoms. Medical attention was sought.