History of the Flight
The aircraft, a DHC-8-402 Dash 8 registered G-FLBC, departed East Midlands Airport at 0900 UTC on 28 January 2019 for a scheduled passenger flight to Edinburgh Airport. The flight had 4 crew and 59 passengers on board. Prior to departure, the crew had been in contact with Company Maintenance Control regarding a minor pressurisation system problem that occurred on the previous sector.
The initial climb was routine. As the aircraft passed approximately FL150, a rapid increase in cabin altitude was observed, accompanied by physical air pressure sensations felt by the crew. Shortly thereafter, the cabin altitude warning activated.
Crew Actions
The flight crew donned oxygen masks, initiated an emergency descent, and broadcast a MAYDAY call to air traffic control. After completing the emergency descent, they informed the cabin crew in accordance with standard operating procedures. The cabin crew then made a passenger announcement using the emergency PA aide memoire. The flight crew completed the 'Rapid Depressurisation or Emergency Descent' checklist, which directed them to the 'Manual Pressurisation' QRH checklist. Unable to control the pressurisation manually, they completed the 'Unpressurised Flight' QRH checklist.
Decision to Continue
With sufficient fuel and suitable weather en route, the commander decided to proceed to Edinburgh. The commander briefed the cabin crew on the event and his intentions, and made a passenger announcement. The MAYDAY was downgraded to a PAN. The flight concluded with an uneventful approach and landing at Edinburgh Airport. The airport fire service had been alerted and met the aircraft. After landing, the fire chief took a statement from the commander, and passengers disembarked.
Findings
Post-flight examination revealed a hole in the lower lip of the rear baggage door seal. The seal was replaced, and no further occurrences were reported.
Conclusion
The aircraft experienced a cabin depressurisation during the climb caused by a hole in the rear baggage door seal. The crew responded by executing an emergency descent and continuing to the destination.