Accredited representative to Sri Lanka Annex 13 investigation of smoke and fumes event involving Airbus A330-300, 4R-ALQ, 60 NM north-west of Melbourne Airport, Victoria, on 12 February 2024

Summary

On 12 February 2024, an Airbus A330-300, registered 4R-ALQ, departed from Melbourne, Australia to Colombo, Sri Lanka.

During climb, the crew detected smoke and fumes in the flight deck and cabin. The flight crew donned oxygen masks, carried out the smoke removal checklist, and declared a MAYDAY. The crew returned the aircraft to Melbourne and conducted an overweight landing. There were no injuries.

The engineering inspection revealed an air cycle machine (ACM) had failed, with metal debris identified in the ACM duct.

During its investigation, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Sri Lanka requested assistance and the appointment of an accredited representative from the ATSB. To facilitate this support and to provide the appropriate protections for the information, the ATSB appointed an accredited representative in accordance with paragraph 5.23 of the International Civil Aviation Organization Annex 13 and commenced an investigation under the Australian Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003.

On 18 September 2024, the CAA released the final investigation report into this accident. Accordingly, the ATSB has concluded its involvement in the investigation. The report is available from the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka here(Opens in a new tab/window).

Any enquiries relating to the investigation should be directed to the CAA of Sri Lanka.