Flight and Return
A non-scheduled domestic cargo flight departed under instrument flight rules (IFR) and Title 14, CFR Part 121. Shortly after departure, the cabin failed to pressurize. The flight crew elected to return to the departure airport.
Inspection Findings
An FAA inspector examined the airplane following the incident. Maintenance personnel identified damage to the right lower portion of the fuselage between the wing and tail, near the cargo door. The inspector reported a penetrating gouge measuring 18 inches in length and 1 to 2 inches in width. Adjacent to the gouge, shallower surface skin damage extended approximately 3 feet.
Damage Description
The shape and size of the damage were consistent with the counter-balance weight on the truck used to deice the airplane. The gouge penetrated the fuselage skin, while the surrounding area exhibited surface-level abrasions. No further details about the extent of structural damage or repair actions were provided in the source.