Narrative:

During pre-flight; our review of the log revealed that this aircraft had a recent history of: cargo smoke ECAM warning in flight; smoke/fumes in the cabin; overweight landing; excessive oil consumption on #2 engine. While at the gate we initiated a conference call with dispatch and maintenance to obtain further details of what had actually occurred; and what maintenance had discovered and accomplished on the aircraft. Maintenance advised us that repairs had been made and that the aircraft was being returned to service. Although engine runs had been performed on the ground; no test flight had occurred. We advised dispatch that if any problems resembling the previous history occurred on our flight after departure that our intent was to return. I conducted a more thorough briefing than normal with the flight attendants; specifically advising them that if they detected any cabin smoke or fumes; not to hesitate in notifying the cockpit crew. Hazmat was loaded in the aft cargo pit (radio active). Soon after takeoff; we detected a very slight oily odor in the cockpit; similar to the smell you get in flight after being deiced. The first officer and I were both comfortable continuing. About 12 minutes after takeoff; the purser advised me that the flight attendants in the aft cabin were detecting a slight odor. I asked him if he thought it was bad enough to return. He went to the aft cabin himself to assess and then advised me 'not at this time'. Several minutes later I was advised by the flight attendants that it was getting 'really bad'; especially near the lavatories in the aft cabin. I decided immediately to return. An emergency was declared and we returned expeditiously. We advised tower and the rescue personnel that we were transporting hazmat in the aft cargo compartment. I commend my entire crew for an exemplary job during a stressful situation. A normal landing occurred and no injuries occurred. In hind-sight; I think this aircraft should have had a maintenance test flight prior to being returned to revenue service.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: A320 flight crew is dispatched in an aircraft with a maintenance history of smoke and fumes from a right engine oil leak. Approaching FL340 the problem returns and the crew elects to return to the departure airport.

Narrative: During pre-flight; our review of the log revealed that this aircraft had a recent history of: CARGO SMOKE ECAM warning in flight; smoke/fumes in the cabin; overweight landing; excessive oil consumption on #2 engine. While at the gate we initiated a conference call with Dispatch and Maintenance to obtain further details of what had actually occurred; and what Maintenance had discovered and accomplished on the aircraft. Maintenance advised us that repairs had been made and that the aircraft was being returned to service. Although engine runs had been performed on the ground; no test flight had occurred. We advised Dispatch that if any problems resembling the previous history occurred on our flight after departure that our intent was to return. I conducted a more thorough briefing than normal with the Flight Attendants; specifically advising them that if they detected any cabin smoke or fumes; not to hesitate in notifying the cockpit crew. Hazmat was loaded in the aft cargo pit (radio active). Soon after takeoff; we detected a very slight oily odor in the cockpit; similar to the smell you get in flight after being deiced. The First Officer and I were both comfortable continuing. About 12 minutes after takeoff; the Purser advised me that the Flight Attendants in the aft cabin were detecting a slight odor. I asked him if he thought it was bad enough to return. He went to the aft cabin himself to assess and then advised me 'not at this time'. Several minutes later I was advised by the Flight Attendants that it was getting 'really bad'; especially near the lavatories in the aft cabin. I decided immediately to return. An emergency was declared and we returned expeditiously. We advised Tower and the rescue personnel that we were transporting hazmat in the aft cargo compartment. I commend my entire crew for an exemplary job during a stressful situation. A normal landing occurred and no injuries occurred. In hind-sight; I think this aircraft should have had a maintenance test flight prior to being returned to revenue service.

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.