Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
Around 1;500 feet AGL on arrival into ZZZ; a very strong odor filled the flight deck (and later found out it filled the forward galley and cabin). It was close to unbearable--a strong burning plastic smell. After touchdown and roll out; we received an ECAM for the ventilation system blower fault. We accomplished the ECAM actions; called the FAs to ask about the status of the cabin; and other SOPs--and taxied to the gate. Upon arrival; we opened the flight deck window. As the CA; I grabbed the logbook and called the duty chief. I was unable to get through. I then called Dispatch and got patched with [Maintenance Control]. [Maintenance Control] was helpful in confirming the two together. He stated that it is a terribly strong plastic odor. He was extremely helpful through the night. He stated this could take quite some time to clear the cabin and flight deck. We wrote up the fault and fumes. We filed the fume form. After several hours the fumes were still present. We eventually agreed to depart close to XA:00 pm local time. Unknown as to why the blower faulted. Unknown whether there were any indications that this blower was on its last leg.
A319 Captain reported a strong 'plastic burning' odor during arrival. In-flight Maintenance Control guidance significantly improved the air quality.