2023-11 · NASA ASRS report 2055069
B737 MAX 8 flight crew reported the pressurization system malfunctioned in cruise. Flight crew descended to 10;000 feet and diverted to the nearest airport.
Just a few short minutes after leveling off at our filed cruise altitude of FL240 we received a Cabin Altitude Warning horn; upon visual verification of the cabin altimeter it was noted that the cabin had climbed to 10;000 ft. We consulted the QRC and noted the cabin altitude to be stable at 10;000 ft. ATC was advised of our issue; along with our intention to divert back to ZZZ; we were quickly cleared down to a lower altitude; initially 15;000 ft.; followed shortly by a handoff to ZZZ Approach who cleared us on down to 10;000 ft. An otherwise uneventful approach and landing were made back in ZZZ on Runway XX. Dispatch was notified via ACARS. We did not declare an emergency due to the fact that the cabin had stabilized and also that we were at a very manageable altitude at the onset of the event which made for a very quick descent back into ZZZ. We utilized the QRH and accomplished all checklists to include landing data on our return. I continued as PM throughout the duration of this event and left the FO as PF so as to manage ATC and the checklist. Although I believe this was handled very professionally and safely; looking back; I would take a lesson from it and slow the process down somewhat as it pertains to checklist usage and compliance and possibly delay the approach and landing to ensure all steps are completed. Especially this close into the terminal environment. I have consulted with Maintenance Control this morning and understand there is no abnormalities or defects noted with the aircraft and it was put back into service following the replacement of the control panel. My FO and I would both like to have any feedback on the cause of the event as we are both perplexed as to the reason and would greatly appreciate the learning opportunity; especially if it is human factor related.
Moments after leveling off in cruise at 24;000 ft.; we received a cabin altitude warning. As per the QRC procedure; a descent was initiated. We were initially cleared to descend to 15;000 ft.; then shortly after cleared lower to 10;000 ft. I was the Pilot Flying; while the Captain ran the checklists; and coordinated with our Flight Attendants; and Dispatcher. The cabin remained stable at 10;000 ft. initially and then descended along with the aircraft in a stable manner as we descended. The flight concluded with a visual approach to Runway XX back in ZZZ with no further incident. We taxied to the gate assigned and shut down the aircraft and Maintenance Personnel took over. Both the Captain as well as I would like to hear what is found by maintenance as to the reason for the system issue. We are both at a loss as to what could have caused it.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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