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

AA-2024-002

Summary

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Sri Lanka is investigating a smoke and fumes event involving Airbus A330-300, 4R-ALQ, 60 NM north-west of Melbourne Airport, Victoria, on 12 February 2024.

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.

The CAA has 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.

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

Occurrence summary

Investigation number AA-2024-002
Occurrence date 12/02/2024
Location 60 NM north-west of Melbourne Airport
State Victoria
Investigation type Accredited Representative
Investigation status Active
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Fumes
Occurrence class Incident
Highest injury level None

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Airbus
Model A330-300
Registration 4R-ALQ
Serial number 1687
Aircraft operator SriLankan Airlines
Sector Jet
Operation type Part 129 Foreign air transport operators
Departure point Melbourne Airport, Victoria
Destination Bandaranaike International Airport, Sri Lanka
Damage Nil