2007 BAe 146-200 cabin pressure incident near Paderborn

Incident Overview On 24 June 2007, a British Aerospace BAe 146-200 passenger aircraft operating a flight from Frankfurt/Main to Bremen experienced a loss of cabin pressure at flight level 240 at 17:40 local time. The incident was classified as a serious disturbance by the German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU). ## Aircraft Details The aircraft was a British Aerospace BAe 146-200, a four-engine, all-metal, high-wing passenger aircraft with conventional landing gear. It was powered by four Textron Lycoming ALF 502R-5 turbofan engines. The aircraft was built in 1991 with serial number E 2201 and had a maximum takeoff weight of 42,184 kg. It was certified for commercial operation by a German company. ## Findings A technical inspection of the aircraft after the incident revealed water in the control lines of the rear drain valve. The water in the control line affected the valve control and led to the loss of cabin pressure. ## Flight Course and Emergency During the flight from Frankfurt/Main to Bremen, the cabin pressure dropped at 17:40 local time at flight level 240. The crew declared an emergency and performed an emergency descent to flight level 100. The descent was conducted with the use of oxygen masks. One person suffered a panic attack and required medical attention. The aircraft subsequently made a diversion landing at Paderborn-Lippstadt. ## Investigation The investigation was conducted by the BFU in accordance with the German Aircraft Accident Investigation Act (FlUUG) of 26 August 1998. The report was summarily closed under § 18 FlUUG, presenting only the facts. The sole purpose of the investigation is the prevention of future accidents and disturbances, not the determination of fault, liability, or claims.