Date: 202002
Local time of day: 1201-1800
Location: ZZZ.TRACON, US
Aircraft: A321
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Ferry / Re-Positioning
Flight phase: Descent
Airspace: Class B ZZZ
ATC / advisory: TRACON ZZZ
Aircraft component: Air Conditioning and Pressurization Pack
Component problem: Malfunctioning
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: First Officer; Pilot Not Flying
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument
Human factors: Physiological - Other
Anomaly: Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Detector: Person Flight Crew
When detected: In-flight
Result: Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Returned To Clearance
Contributing factors: Aircraft
Primary problem: Aircraft

Narrative: Flight was a ferry flight from ZZZ to ZZZ1; following an engine change to correct an issue with fumes in the cockpit/cabin that happened a few weeks prior during a scheduled revenue flight to ZZZ. During engine start in ZZZ; we received an 'Engine Dual Cooling Not Available' message. After concurrence with maintenance control; we started the engines without using the Dual Cooling procedure. Takeoff was uneventful; however; passing through 6;000 feet during the climb phase; a very slight odor was detected that went away within a matter of 30 seconds. I thought it was just residual fumes burning off from the previous event that had happened a few weeks ago. The remainder of the climb; cruise; and initial descent was normal and uneventful. Passing through 10;000 feet though; I started to smell a slight odor akin to dirty sneakers or socks; that would come and go. Passing through 5;000 feet; and during the turn to join final approach; the odor/fumes became very strong and pungent; to the point that I had to close the air vent that was pointing at me as it was starting to affect my breathing. On final approach; below 2;000 feet; the pungent odor seemed to lessen a bit. The landing was normal; but after we taxiied off the runway and started to proceed to the gate; I remarked that I was feeling lightheaded and the captain agreed and said he felt the same. Once parked at the gate; I got up to disarm the emergency door slides; as this was a ferry flight and there were no flight attendants. During this I started to notice my fingers tingling and a little slowness/difficulty being able to install the safety pins by the 'Disarm' levers. The L1 door opened and I stepped off the plane into the jetbridge to greet the gate agent. After this I re-entered the airplane; and that is when I could smell the fumes again. I didn't realize how strong the fumes were still in the plane until after getting some fresh air outside and then going back in. An entry for the fumes event was entered into the aircraft Logbook; and we left the airplane. During the walk back to the crew room; I was still lightheaded with fingers tingling; feeling a bit lethargic and agitated; similar to a 'buzzed' sensation. These symptoms lasted for hours after the initial event.Toxic oil fumes/odor from malfunctioning aircraft air conditioning system were vented into the cockpit and cabin while in-flight and inhaled by the flight crew; resulting in lightheadedness; nose/throat irritation; mild disorientation; fingers tingling.Since the fumes event occurred during a very busy segment of the flight (vectors-to-final; radio calls; aircraft configuration; checklists); we did not have a chance to run the Smoke/Fumes Removal Checklist; electing to land the airplane; nor did I get a chance to put on my oxygen mask; which I regret doing now as this could likely have lessened my symptoms.




Synopsis: A321 First Officer reported a fumes event during departure which dissipated during cruise; but returned during approach.  The fumes were described as a 'dirty sneakers or socks' odor and resulted in health issues for the crew.