DC-10 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
General Flight Cancelled / Delayed; General Maintenance Action; General Work Refused
Aircraft
While performing preflight duties; I started the APU. With the APU operating normally; I selected APU power and air; deselected external power and configured the air panel with all three packs on. The packs came on and immediately a very strong smell of some sort of fuel; oil; and /or chemical fumes filled the flight deck. I turned off the packs; notified both MX and [Dispatch]; and then made a [maintenance log] entry for a Fume Event.A MX AMT showed at the aircraft. We explained what had happened. Although the odor was still present; I briefly turned on all three packs; so that the AMT could verify the odor too. The AMT took the logbook page and left. The FO (First Officer) then told me that he had flown this aircraft [earlier] and had a similar occurrence. The FO and I both started noticing odd tastes sensations. We then discussed our comfort level about continuing the trip even if that meant switching to another aircraft. Since we both felt uncertain about assessing any potential impact on our mental or physical abilities and being able to safely crew the flight; we decided to contact the Duty Officer. In concurrence with the Duty Officer; we then decided it would be best to be removed from duty and possibly get examined by a doctor.As we were preparing to run checklists and secure the airplane; two MX personnel came on board; turned the packs on; and the flight deck once again filled with the fumes. I turned the packs off; confirmed with MX that they now had responsibility for the aircraft; and we departed.Since I do not have medical training other than CPR/First Aid; and do not have any expertise in biology; chemistry or anatomy; I cannot say with certainty; but based on the treatment received in the ER and the brief explanation by ER medical staff; I do believe it reasonable to assume that continued operation of the aircraft and exposure to the fumes could have resulted in some level of incapacitation.Suggestions: A supervisory review of the previous [aircraft logbook] entries. Increase education and awareness for Fume Events for both aircrew and maintenance personnel.Recommend contacting all crew members who have flown this aircraft since [the date the issue was first noticed] to assess their exposure or any issues.
DC-10 Captain reported strong smell of fuel; oil; chemical fumes emanating from air conditioning packs during initial preflight.