A319
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Distraction; Time Pressure; Workload
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Declared Emergency; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
After take off and initial climb smelled a 'burn smell like' that got stronger as we climbed; a 'haze type of smoke' (light smoke) appear to come from all vents. No ECAMS. Lead Flight Attendant called us to also report more of the same in the cabin. The First Officer and I donned the O2 masks. Just when ATC gave us the normal left turn for the departure; (approximately 2;500 FT-3;000 FT). I declare the emergency and asked for an immediate return to the departure airport. I took the controls while the First Officer assisted with checklists; programming and PA's. In less than 9 minutes we were safely landing the aircraft on Runway 10L. The smell was dissipating together with the smoke. We cleared the runway; stopped the aircraft and Airfield Rescue and Fire Fighter (ARFF) check the aircraft outside; while we verified with flight attendants the conditions in the cabin. ARFF gave us the 'ALL OK' outside; Cabin and Cockpit still had residual smell and smoke dissipating even more. We continue taxing to the gate. Passengers deplaned. I am grateful for my excellent crew; considering the situation; we were able to bring all 145 passengers and 5 crewmembers safe to the gate and perform an overweight landing with no limits exceeded; and no damage to our equipment. I was later informed that the air cycle machine (ACM) had ceased.
An A319 PACK (air cycle machine) failed after takeoff causing haze and a burning odor throughout the aircraft; so an emergency was declared and the flight returned to the departure airport.