Narrative:

Situation started at FL370 when the pack 2 fail icas illuminated. The QRH procedure was followed and the pack 2 did reset. But then approximately 10 minutes later the pack 2 fail illuminated again. This time the pack 2 switch was left in the off position. Then the entire aircraft abruptly filled with a powerful and pungent burning odor of unknown origin. The memory items were accomplished and we remained on O2 until after landing. The captain declared an emergency and worked the ATC communications while maintaining situational and altitude awareness. First officer flew the aircraft through IMC to VMC and flew a visual approach. Relief captain (international relief officer) accomplished the QRH (fire/smoke/odor) and internal communications to include PA announcements. Our emergency authority was used to exceed 250 KTS below 10;000 ft and we received clearance directly to the airport. The flight attendant called the cabin to report burning odor throughout cabin. She announced the passengers had jumped up and opened all the overhead bin doors looking for the source of fire. A quick PA was made and the flight attendants did an excellent job of regaining control of the passengers. All but 4 were very cooperative. International relief officer made a PA asking the flight attendants to prepare for a normal landing and explained to the passengers that there was no longer any danger and the situation was fully under control. The burning odor began to dissipate shortly after following the QRH procedure to turn off the bleeds and recirculation fan. Then; on landing rollout the pack 1 fail light illuminated. While taxiing to the parking area the O2 observers oxygen low icas illuminated. We had consumed approx 600 psi of O2 while wearing the O2 masks during the 15 minute emergency. Left pack air cycle machine was damaged or destroyed. Mechanics were flown in to assess the damage. Several maintenance procedures were accomplished and we flew back two days later with the left pack (#1) on MEL. There is nothing that would have prevented this malfunction. Kudos to our training department for properly preparing this crew for this very serious emergency. The first four or five seconds were consumed by aggressive attempts to locate the source. When [the captain] said; 'O2 masks verify on 100%;' it immediately brought all three pilots to the same starting point that we were familiar with because of our training. From that starting point; assigned duties were discussed and accomplished. I noted that the QRH served a very special role in that it repeatedly became a structure that brought all 3 pilots to the same page and plan. As each pilot performed their duties the QRH items were read aloud and agreed to by the crew. It was a methodical and controlled process that resulted in a safe approach and landing while dealing with the emergency situation and panic stricken passengers.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: An ERJ-190 Captain and IRO reported smoke and odor from a failed air conditioning pack. A safe landing was made after QRH procedures were followed.

Narrative: Situation started at FL370 when the Pack 2 Fail ICAS illuminated. The QRH procedure was followed and the Pack 2 did reset. But then approximately 10 minutes later the Pack 2 Fail illuminated again. This time the Pack 2 switch was left in the off position. Then the entire aircraft abruptly filled with a powerful and pungent burning odor of unknown origin. The Memory Items were accomplished and we remained on O2 until after landing. The Captain declared an emergency and worked the ATC communications while maintaining situational and altitude awareness. First Officer flew the aircraft through IMC to VMC and flew a visual approach. Relief Captain (IRO) accomplished the QRH (Fire/Smoke/Odor) and internal communications to include PA announcements. Our emergency authority was used to exceed 250 KTS below 10;000 FT and we received clearance directly to the airport. The Flight Attendant called the cabin to report burning odor throughout cabin. She announced the passengers had jumped up and opened all the overhead bin doors looking for the source of fire. A quick PA was made and the Flight Attendants did an excellent job of regaining control of the passengers. All but 4 were very cooperative. IRO made a PA asking the Flight Attendants to prepare for a normal landing and explained to the passengers that there was no longer any danger and the situation was fully under control. The burning odor began to dissipate shortly after following the QRH procedure to turn off the bleeds and recirculation fan. Then; on landing rollout the Pack 1 Fail light illuminated. While taxiing to the parking area the O2 observers oxygen low ICAS illuminated. We had consumed approx 600 PSI of O2 while wearing the O2 masks during the 15 minute emergency. Left Pack Air Cycle Machine was damaged or destroyed. Mechanics were flown in to assess the damage. Several maintenance procedures were accomplished and we flew back two days later with the Left Pack (#1) on MEL. There is nothing that would have prevented this malfunction. Kudos to our Training Department for properly preparing this crew for this very serious emergency. The first four or five seconds were consumed by aggressive attempts to locate the source. When [the Captain] said; 'O2 Masks Verify On 100%;' it immediately brought all three pilots to the same starting point that we were familiar with because of our training. From that starting point; assigned duties were discussed and accomplished. I noted that the QRH served a very special role in that it repeatedly became a structure that brought all 3 pilots to the same page and plan. As each pilot performed their duties the QRH items were read aloud and agreed to by the crew. It was a methodical and controlled process that resulted in a safe approach and landing while dealing with the emergency situation and panic stricken passengers.

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.