AIRCRAFT WAS GROUNDED: AIRCRAFT DIVERTED TO PHX DUE TO THE FLIGHT CREW REPORTING THAT DURING CLIMBOUT THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR OF CHEESE OR DIRTY SOCKS IN THE FLIGHT DECK AND THE ENTIRE CABIN. THE FLIGHT CREW LEVELED OFF AT 27, 000 BUT THE ODOR REMAINED. THE FLIGHT CREW DID NOT DECLARE AN EMERGENCY AND LANDED THE AIRCRAFT AT PHX WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. MAINTENANCE FOUND THE APU CHIP DETECTOR LEAKING AND REPLACED THE O-RINGS PER AMM 49-91-42. A SATISFACTORY LEAK CHECK WAS ACCOMPLISHED WITH NO LEAKS OR ODORS NOTED.
| Incident date | January 1, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Airline | AALA |
| Flight | AT27 |
| Aircraft | AIRBUS A321231 |
| Registration | N521UW |
| Diversion / landing | PHX |
| Affected area | Cockpit |
| Event type | Fumes or Odor |
| Verification | Official |
Sources
- FAA SDR: AALA fumes or odor report on 2026-01-01 (external.apic4e.faa.gov)
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