Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Time Pressure; Physiological - Other; Workload
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; Flight Crew Diverted; General Declared Emergency; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed
Aircraft; Human Factors
Approximately 100 NM SE of a major airport at FL360 smoke and fumes began rapidly filling the cockpit. First Officer called out smoke and we put on O2 mask and goggles. First Officer grabbed the QRH and began the Smoke Fire and Fumes checklist. I declared an emergency and requested an emergency descent from ATC. ATC and First Officer pointed out a major airport was 80 miles in front of the aircraft. I requested diversion to that airport. There were no fire indications and all engine parameters were normal at this point. Number 1 Flight Attendant called to notify us of smoke and fumes in the cabin. First Officer completed Smoke Fire and Fumes checklist and began the Smoke Removal checklist. Number 1 Flight Attendant called to tells us that they were seeing smoke from the left engine but no sign of fire. I made a PA to passengers and flight attendants that we were making and emergency diversion; we would make a normal landing and follow the directions of the Flight Attendants. Passing through 10;000 FT the First Officer had completed the Smoke Removal checklist. The smoke had dissipated enough to remove the O2 mask and goggles. I advised the Number 1 Flight Attendant to prepare the cabin for landing and I did not plan on evacuating the aircraft after landing. As we were descending the left engine oil temp began to rise to a max of 177 degrees and oil pressure began to fluctuate with throttle movement. With the throttles at idle the left engine oil pressure dipped as low as 16 psi but when the throttles were advanced it would return to the normal band. We coordinated with Provo Approach for a visual approach to Runway 10. We landed with 30 flaps; autobrakes 3 to a full stop. After stopping we shutdown the left engine and waited for the AARF to check out the aircraft. I made a PA to the passengers to remain seated and that emergency vehicles would be approaching the aircraft for safety checks. The right engine was shutdown. AARF reported that fluid was leaking from the left engine. Aircraft was then towed to the gate and secured. I want to emphasize that that the First Officer and flight attendants performed professionally and the outstanding job they did insured the successful conclusion of this emergency.
I noticed that we were 100 miles from a major airport. I have been to that airport many times and suggested we head that way. The Captain declared an emergency; and ATC gave us vectors and a descent to the airport. The Captain loaded the FMC and proceeded direct to the airport. I started the checklist for SMOKE; FIRE or FUMES. The smoke was in the air conditioning system because it was coming out of the eyelets in the cockpit. After completing the checklist; I then proceeded with the smoke removal checklist. The Number 1 Flight Attendant saw smoke from the left engine which brought to our attention the left engine instruments. The Captain and I noticed that the oil temp on the left engine had crept into the red band and with the power at idle the oil pressure was low. By cracking the throttle on the left engine; the engine remained out of the red band. The Captain wanted to leave the left engine running because we were on short approach. I thought it was a very good choice. After completing the checklist; the smoke was greatly reduced. At 10;000 FT the smoke cleared for a fairly normal approach and visual landing. The approach control; Airfield Rescue and Fire Fighters and passengers were ready for our arrival. Landing was uneventful. I think the entire crew was prepared to do their job. After the Fire Chief checked our aircraft for fire or damage; the plane was towed to the gate and all passengers were very thankful and were placed on the next plane to our planned destination.
A B757 cockpit and cabin began filling with smoke; so an emergency was declared; the QRH procedure begun and after the diversion was announced a Flight Attendant notified the crew about left engine smoke. The crew then identified left engine high oil temperature and fluctuating oil pressure.