Description

On 9 June 2014, shortly after take off, the crew of an Airbus A330-200 (VH-XFB) being operated by Virgin Australia on a scheduled domestic passenger flight from Perth to Sydney in day Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) were advised of the commencement of a 'burning odour' from an undetermined source in the rear galley area which was continuing. After about 20 minutes, during which time affected cabin crew received therapeutic oxygen to aid their recovery, the odour ceased and the flight was continued to destination without recurrence.

Investigation

An Investigation was carried out by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB).

It was established that as engine power was applied for take-off, cabin crew members at the rear of the cabin had detected a 'burning odour'. Based upon their experience of this particular aircraft type, they initially dismissed this as being relatively common and expected that they would, as usual, dissipate soon after becoming airborne. However, this time, the fumes seemed more intense than usual and appeared to grow in intensity, so the rear cabin crew contacted the cabin supervisor on the interphone and advised the situation. The fumes remained obvious in the rear cabin but not further forward.