The Countess of Mar asked Her Majesty's Government: What records have been obtained of the contaminated air incident that occurred on the Boeing 757 aircraft, registered G-BPEK, on a flight to Edinburgh on 20th November, which necessitated an emergency return to Heathrow; whether the incident involved passengers as well as crew; and whether a cause of the incident has been identified. [HL2563]

Lord Davies of Oldham: The Civil Aviation Authority's Safety Investigation and Data Department has received reports from the aircraft operator and the London Area Control Centre regarding an emergency call made from a Boeing 757 aircraft, registered G-BPEK, on 20 November 2005.

Initial reports indicate that "sweet smelling" fumes were detected on the flight deck during initial climb, and the flight crew took action to address the situation. The crew declared an emergency and requested a return to Heathrow airport, which was facilitated by air traffic control.

The engineering report from the operator states that the fault could not be reproduced during subsequent ground runs. Although the precise nature of the fumes has not been detected, the operator suspects that the smell originated from de-icing fluid. None of the reports received to date indicate that there were any smells or fumes in the cabin, or that passengers were affected.

1 December 2005