Overview
On November 3, 2021, at 00:40 UTC, a Boeing 787-9 aircraft, registration N36962, operated by United Airlines on Flight 818 from Ministro Pistarini International Airport (SAEZ) to Houston Intercontinental Airport (KIAH), experienced a pressurization system failure during the cruise phase at Flight Level 360. The incident occurred in the vicinity of Baradero, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina.
Incident Details
The aircraft was in level flight at FL360 when a failure of the pressurization system occurred, classified as a system/component failure (non-powerplant). In response, the flight crew decided to return to the departure airport and adopted a lower flight level of FL150 to maintain cabin pressure. The aircraft landed without further incident. No injuries were reported among the 12 crew members and 147 passengers. The aircraft sustained no damage.
The flight was conducted under instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and had a total duration of 1 hour and 2 minutes at the time of the incident.
Investigation Outcome
The Argentinean National Directorate of Aircraft Accident Investigation (JST) initiated a technical investigation. Based on the analysis of the circumstances and the conditions of the aircraft after the incident, and following the procedures established in MAPRIAAC Chapter 6, point 6.8 "Incidents", the investigation was discontinued. The authority determined that the lessons to be obtained were not of impact for improving operational safety of the State. The case was filed.