Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Troubleshooting; Physiological - Other
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
General Physical Injury / Incapacitation
Aircraft; Procedure
Preflighted TKS system prior to flight into possible icing. Ramp personnel complained of TKS fluid chemical odor at plane. Prior to climbing into cloud layer (OAT 0*C +/-) turned on TKS anti ice system in 'Normal' mode for possible icing. Flight continued in and out of rain/snow mix. Heater off; all vents closed. Noted TKS odor in cockpit; burning of eyes; throat irritation; and slight difficulty breathing. Noted although forward side vents closed still had airflow entering cockpit and flappers closed but pointed up directing air into eyes. Then noted strong air flow entering cockpit through closed cockpit side window; air entering through rear seal on window. Aircraft is not pressurized so it is not air tight thus TKS mist entering cockpit.
A C-208 Captain reported eye irritation and breathing difficulty after using TKS in flight. The fluid seemed to enter through the closed cockpit side window's rear seal.