Incident Overview
On 26 July 2017, a Beech 200 Super Kingair (registration G-KVIP) was conducting a non-revenue commercial flight from Exeter, United Kingdom, to Faro, Portugal. While climbing through flight level 275 and cleared to flight level 280, the altitude warning illuminated on the flight deck. The passenger oxygen masks automatically deployed, and the two passengers successfully donned them. The pilot had difficulty putting on his own mask because it became entangled with items behind the pilot's seat.
Emergency Response
The pilot informed air traffic control of the situation and commenced an emergency descent to flight level 100. The aircraft diverted back to Exeter, which was also the operator's maintenance base. The return flight was uneventful, and a normal approach and landing was made on Runway 26. After shutting down the engines, the pilot felt unwell, which he believed may have been related to the incident.
Commander and Aircraft
The commander, aged 33, held an Airline Transport Pilot's Licence and had accumulated 3,000 hours of flying experience, of which 1,125 hours were on the Beech 200 type. In the previous 90 days, he had flown 89 hours, and in the last 28 days, 36 hours. The aircraft, a Beech 200 Super Kingair, was manufactured in 1979 (serial number BB-487) and was equipped with two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-41 turboprop engines.
Maintenance Findings and Corrective Actions
The maintenance organisation identified two sources of cabin pressurisation loss: the outflow valve and a landing gear seal. Both components were replaced, and an air test confirmed that the pressurisation problem was rectified. The operator issued a notice to aircrew reminding them to ensure the oxygen mask was unobstructed before flight. Additionally, a new mask holder was installed in the flight deck roof to ensure unimpeded use.
Additional Information
No damage to the aircraft occurred, and no injuries were sustained by the crew or passengers. The incident was reported by the pilot via an Aircraft Accident Report Form.