EMB-145 flight crew reported pressurization issues during cruise resulting in an immediate descent and ran appropriate QRC/QRH items. Pressurization returned to normal at 12;000 feet and the crew decided to continue to destination.
Synopsis
EMB-145 flight crew reported pressurization issues during cruise resulting in an immediate descent and ran appropriate QRC/QRH items. Pressurization returned to normal at 12;000 feet and the crew decided to continue to destination.
Narrative
During flight we experienced pressurization issues during the cruise that resulted in us [requesting priority handling] and exercising an immediate descent. Pressurization was normal during our climb and leveling off at FL360 feet. ATC cleared us to descent to FL320; 5 min after we level off; we noticed our ears popping numerous times. We check our MFD sys pages all the doors were closed and green. We immediately looked at EICAS and pressurization and it showed 10;500 ft cabin altitude and climbing very fast. We immediately performed the memory items for Rapid cabin depressurization and QRC and QRH and safety briefing have been given to our flight attendant. During the descent we got the voice message aural warning 'Cabin' it was almost around 12;000 ft during the descent cabin altitude started to come down. ATC cleared as to descent 12;000 ft which is the MEA in that area; as we descent to 12;000 ft and cabin altitude came back normal and green and it was around 850 ft. We communicated with our flight attendant again and she advised that there were no injuries among passengers and that the passenger oxygen masks had not dropped. We checked our fuel; we have more than enough to our destination and informed dispatch of the situation via ACARS. We decided to continue to ZZZ at 12;000 ft and landed on Runway XX normally.I think we did good job handling this situation and was good CRM.
Second reporter narrative
We were initially cruising at FL360. ATC cleared us to FL320. Upon level off i contacted our FA to advise her we were approx. 30 minutes from landing. During our conversation i noticed my ears popping numerous times. I immediately looked at EICAS and pressurization and it showed 10;500 and rising quickly. We immediately donned the O2 masks and initiated an emergency descent. After establishing crew comm we performed our memory items then ran the QRC and QRH and [requested priority handling] with ZZZ Center. We leveled at 12;000 ft which was the MEA for that area. I decided it would be prudent to continue to ZZZ as that was the best option for emergency / medical services if needed. I advised our FA of the situation during the descent and she said that she could hear popping and hissing right before we started our emergency descent. We ran the descent; approach and landing checklists per QRH and landed normally. During the descent the cabin altitude never went above 13;300 ergo the passenger O2 masks did not deploy. After landing I greeted each customer to ensure they were OK. I did not receive any negative feedback from anyone and in would say about half of the passengers did not even know about our situation until i made the announcement after leveling off at 12;000 ft. Also at level off I contacted Dispatch to advise of our situation.We were met in ZZZ by emergency services and no one to my knowledge requested medical care.Suggestions - I cannot stress the importance of CRM during this emergency and how we as a crew worked together to tackle this very serious in flight emergency. FO performed his duties flawlessly and efficiently and remained calm and collected. FA was a true professional and had the situation in the cabin under complete control; keeping our customers seated safely and standing at the ready to attend to any new situation that could arise. Her calm and cool under pressure reassured our customers. Our excellent training took over and as a Captain I could not be more proud of my crewmembers.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.