PSA CRJ-200 Lands at Washington After Fumes Reported in Cabin

The crew donned oxygen masks before landing

PSA Airlines Flight 5082, operating for American Eagle, was on final approach to Washington National Airport when the crew reported fumes in the cabin. The pilots had already donned oxygen masks and declared an emergency. They continued to Runway 01, landed safely and evacuated passengers after clearing the runway. Emergency services found no evidence of fire or heat, and no injuries were reported.

The fumes were reported during final approach

The crew had already donned oxygen masks before contacting the tower. They chose to continue the landing rather than remain airborne while the cabin condition was unresolved. The approach continued to Runway 01 with emergency services prepared.

The airport response temporarily affected other traffic

After the aircraft landed, it held clear of the runways while passengers were evacuated. Both runway pairs at Washington National were temporarily closed while the response was completed, and aircraft waiting for departure shut down engines.

No fire source was found

Emergency personnel did not find evidence of fire or heat. That finding does not by itself identify the source of the fumes, but it does distinguish the event from a confirmed onboard fire. The aircraft remained on the ground for several hours after the incident.

The crew reported: “fumes in the cabin”

Accident Facts

Sources

• AeroInside incident report, based on Aviation Herald: https://www.aeroinside.com/14108/psa-crj2-at-washington-on-dec-9th-2019-fumes-in-cabin
• Public incident archive: https://www.visionsafe.com/recent-smoke-in-the-cockpit-events