Air carrier flight crew reported loss of pressurization and diverting to a nearby airport.
Synopsis
Air carrier flight crew reported loss of pressurization and diverting to a nearby airport.
Narrative
After level in cruise at 36000 feet for a few minutes; we received a Cabin Altitude warning. We donned our oxygen masks and established communications with each other. I then asked the First Officer to do the QRH for Cabin Altitude. I noticed that the Cabin Altitude was already at 16;000 feet and climbing. At the appropriate point in the QRH checklist; we determined the cabin altitude was not controllable. We [requested priority]; squawked; and requested 10;000 feet from Center. We were cleared to 11;000 feet and then subsequently 9000 feet. With the aircraft otherwise flying nominally and good weather in ZZZ; we decided that ZZZ at approximately 80 miles away; was both a prudent and reasonable diversion airport. We received clearance from ATC to perform a left hand turn back to ZZZ. During descent we had an EICAS message for Cabin Auto inop and the First Officer completed the QRH checklist. After the QRH was complete and everything under control; we reduced our current status level with ATC. We landed uneventfully on Runway XXR at ZZZ. Thank you to the Assistant Chief Pilot. He called me shortly after blocking in to find out what had happened. He had a very pleasant and calm demeanor which helped put me at ease to discuss the event as it transpired.
Second reporter narrative
Shortly after leveling at 36000 feet crew received Cabin Altitude warning. Accomplished memory items then did checklist in QRH. Unable to control cabin altitude. Captain directed First Officer (FO) to [request priority] and request a descent. Initially given 11;000 ft. then given 10;000 ft. Requested direct ZZZ. After completing Cabin Altitude checklist accomplished Cabin Auto Inop checklist. Moved Mode Select to manual and attempted to gain control of cabin altitude. It appeared that some control was regained but to what degree is unknown due to descent. Highest observed cabin altitude was 16-17 ft. Once under 10;000 ft. removed oxygen mask and told ATC that we were now at a new urgency level. No new squawk was passed so we continued with the previous squawk. Received vectors for ILSXXR. Approach and landing were uneventful. During face to face with Maintenance it was mentioned that there was a ladder out in the cargo compartment but they did not know why. After aircraft was fixed it was reported to the crew that there was a panel missing insulation and that was the cause of loss of pressurization.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.