Narrative:

An aft cabin flight attendant inter-phoned the cockpit to report a strong odor of natural gas or propane in the last few rows near the aft galley. The captain directed her to monitor the situation and report back after she further evaluated the odor. After a few minutes a flight attendant inter-phoned the cockpit once again and reported that the odor was persisting and that several passengers in the aft cabin area were also concerned about the odor and requesting to be re-seated away from the aft cabin. Some passengers also reported some minor eye irritation and mild nausea. The captain contacted the flight leader and asked that she report back with her own observation. The lead flight attendant inter-phoned back and reported that she also detected an odor resembling propane. The captain suggested that a third crew member inspect the area without being told the nature of the concern. Once again it was reported back to the flight that the third flight attendant observed an odor of gas. Flight attendants reported that the odor continued to be isolated to the last few rows of the cabin and did not seem to be abating nor intensifying but none the less apparent to most people in the area. As a precaution the captain elected to plan an unscheduled landing at the nearest suitable airport in order to further investigate the possibility of a leaking substance aboard the aircraft. After checking weather; the flight was diverted to an enroute station. Flight attendants continued to monitor the situation and make reports to the cockpit via interphone. Their reports indicated no worsening of the odor. The cockpit crew consulted flight control; performed relevant QRH procedures including over-weight landing recommendations; and prepared the aircraft for landing. An emergency was declared to expedite landing. As the cabin altitude descended nearing the destination the flight attendants reported that the odor seemed to be dissipating. An over-weight landing was performed. The aircraft was taxied to a gate. By the time the aircraft arrived at the gate the flight attendants reported that there was no longer a strong odor being detected in the aft cabin. Maintenance performed a comprehensive inspection of the entire aircraft and systems. All baggage and cargo was removed and inspected. No evidence of the origin of the odor was found. After being cleared and released by maintenance and flight control; the flight was resumed to our planned destination un-eventfully.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: A B757 flight attendant crew all reported a propane smell in the aft cabin. An emergency was declared and the aircraft diverted to an enroute station for a maintenance inspection.

Narrative: An aft cabin Flight Attendant inter-phoned the cockpit to report a strong odor of natural gas or propane in the last few rows near the aft galley. The Captain directed her to monitor the situation and report back after she further evaluated the odor. After a few minutes a Flight Attendant inter-phoned the cockpit once again and reported that the odor was persisting and that several passengers in the aft cabin area were also concerned about the odor and requesting to be re-seated away from the aft cabin. Some passengers also reported some minor eye irritation and mild nausea. The Captain contacted the Flight Leader and asked that she report back with her own observation. The Lead Flight Attendant inter-phoned back and reported that she also detected an odor resembling propane. The Captain suggested that a third crew member inspect the area without being told the nature of the concern. Once again it was reported back to the flight that the third Flight Attendant observed an odor of gas. Flight Attendants reported that the odor continued to be isolated to the last few rows of the cabin and did not seem to be abating nor intensifying but none the less apparent to most people in the area. As a precaution the Captain elected to plan an unscheduled landing at the nearest suitable airport in order to further investigate the possibility of a leaking substance aboard the aircraft. After checking weather; the flight was diverted to an enroute station. Flight Attendants continued to monitor the situation and make reports to the cockpit via interphone. Their reports indicated no worsening of the odor. The cockpit crew consulted flight control; performed relevant QRH procedures including over-weight landing recommendations; and prepared the aircraft for landing. An emergency was declared to expedite landing. As the cabin altitude descended nearing the destination the Flight Attendants reported that the odor seemed to be dissipating. An over-weight landing was performed. The aircraft was taxied to a gate. By the time the aircraft arrived at the gate the Flight Attendants reported that there was no longer a strong odor being detected in the aft cabin. Maintenance performed a comprehensive inspection of the entire aircraft and systems. All baggage and cargo was removed and inspected. No evidence of the origin of the odor was found. After being cleared and released by Maintenance and Flight Control; the flight was resumed to our planned destination un-eventfully.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.