Date: 202108
Local time of day: 1801-2400
Location: ZZZ.TRACON, US
Aircraft: Regional Jet 700 ER/LR (CRJ700)
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Descent
Airspace: Class A ZZZ; Class B ZZZ
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Captain; Pilot Flying
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Human factors: Troubleshooting; Time Pressure
Second reporter function: Pilot Not Flying; First Officer
Anomaly: Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Detector: Person Flight Crew
Result: Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed; General Maintenance Action
Contributing factors: Aircraft
Primary problem: Aircraft

Narrative: While coming into XXX; getting close to ILS approach at 5;000ft; ATC has put us on a heading for vectors to final for Runway XXL; I started smelling burning smell; the FO smelled the same burning smell as well; at which point I told the FO to take the airplane and the radios; and called back to the flight attendants (FAs); I asked them if they smell anything and they both said they smell a burning smoke smell; I made sure with them that all the passengers were OK and they were ok as well as able to breath properly and see properly as well if there was any sign of smoke in the cabin which they said there was some in the aft of the cabin; I told them I will call back with further instructions and told the FO what the FAs told me; at which point I told him to [request expedited handling] for smoke in the cabin which I reached for the QRC which led to the [other procedures]; and the QRH; which led us to further steps of [Precautionary] Depress; Cargo off; Recerc off; and pass signs on for below 10;000ft portion of the QRH. After I performed these steps which took about I took 1.5 to 2 minutes the smell disappeared; I called the FAs back and informed them we will be making an [expedited] landing; and performed the [preparation] items; they advised me the smell and the visible smoke is not there anymore; I also told them in that case we will most likely not need to evacuate after landing but I will call them upon landing with my decision. After that I took the airplane back from the FO and he continued his PM duties. After Landing I called the FAs again to re-verify there was no smoke or smell in the cabin; as well as all the passengers and both of them were OK and once assured there wasn't any smoke or smell or any issues with the passengers; and both FAs canceled the [expedited handling] and decided to continue to the gate.


Second narrative: Descending through 15;000 feet in ZZZ; I suddenly smelled a very strong and potent smell in the cockpit and asked my Captain if he smelled the same thing. He said yes and then immediately called the Flight Attendants. The Aft FA informed us there was smoke in the cabin and they smell the same type of odor. The Captain told them we were [requesting expedited handling]. He comes back into the interim between us and tells me he is running QRC for smoke fire fumes and my controls and radio. He tells me to [request expedited handling]. I [requested as directed] and continue our descent into the approach area. He runs QRC and QRH. Then gives the FAs the test items. Continuing the descent through 10;000 feet Captain completes the rest of the QRH procedures. He then takes back the controls and I keep the radios. Once we landed and pull off the runway; Captain calls the FAs and verifies there is no more smoke or Odor in the cabin. They said no and Captain elects to continue to the gate and cancel the [request]. We taxi to the gate and maintenance and then Dispatch was notified. Captain wrote up the log book entry and talked to one of the chief pilots who was gathering information. I completed the walk around after the chief pilot got his info. The FAs and I decided to continue to work our next flight and the Captain elected to be done for the day and continue to talk to the chief pilot.No brace was required. Aft FA said the smoke wasn't that thick but we all agree the odor was very strong and distinctive.Being 2 hours delayed on the first flight of the day and sitting around waiting. Then we get to leave late and head to ZZZ and deal with this situation during the terminal area of ZZZ was unexpected and my first in my career so far. Doing what we are trained to do in this situation the best we can and also the crew resource management. QRC/QRH was executed in a timely manner while I flew the airplane and communications was clear and concise between ATC and all crew members. I am happy with how things went and glad because it could have been worse.


Synopsis: CRJ70 flight crew reported a temporary smoke/fume event occurred during descent. The flight continued to a safe landing.