B767 flight crew reported the cabin pressure controller failed during cruise climb. Flight crew returned to departure airport and landed safely.
Synopsis
B767 flight crew reported the cabin pressure controller failed during cruise climb. Flight crew returned to departure airport and landed safely.
Narrative
Cabin Altitude Warning Message / Emergency Air ReturnCrew reviewed maintenance documentation for the flight plan and noticed a Cabin Pressure Controller (CPC) replacement event in the log along with a requirement to perform an ETOPS verification on the system. We briefed with Maintenance Control regarding the CPCs and the required ETOPS verification. Following the Relief Pilot break; we continued climb to approximately FL270 and received a Cabin Altitude Warning message on EICAS. We requested an immediate descent and complied with the QRC/QRH. When the Relief Pilot returned from the back; he was admitted to the flight deck and began assisting with the checklist. On step 5 of the QRH; we switched CPCs and did not regain cabin pressure control. Ultimately Manual mode was selected and we could control the outflow valve directly; with control over the rate of cabin climb/descent. The AUTO INOP caution message illuminated during this process; so the Relief Pilot assisted with this checklist as well. The PM (FO) took controls and began return to the ZZZ airport. We updated the Dispatcher and others regarding our situation. The PF (CA) coordinated with Dispatch and the Flight Attendants. We prepared the FMC/ATIS/Landing Data/etc...for a return to ZZZ. Ultimately we landed on [Runway] XXR underweight and with normal procedures with a taxi to the gate. Hot brakes were experienced with max level of 5 on taxi in. We completed maintenance documentation for the hot brakes; the Cabin Altitude event; and the auto control inop message. The crew debriefed and contacted appropriate entities.
Second reporter narrative
CABIN ALT ALERTI was the Relief Pilot on this flight and I was on my rest seat when I felt the aircraft started a descent so I decided to go back to the flight deck to assist the Captain and the First Officer with the appropriate checklists for the situation; I arrived around 24000 ft and assisted them with checklists; communication; and planning to return to ZZZ safely.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.