2025-08 · NASA ASRS report 2273148
A319 flight crew reported aircraft pressurization failure during climb out. Flight crew descended and returned to departure airport.
During the takeoff roll out of ZZZ; we received an ECAM message related to the Avionics Vent system. Since this was connected to an existing MEL on the aircraft; we elected to continue the takeoff.During the initial climb; ECAM prompted a procedure in response to the ECAM message. After completing the ECAM actions; a status message indicated the aircraft would not pressurize.We were cleared by ATC to climb to FL230 due to terrain in the area. However; as we continued to troubleshoot the pressurization issue and attempted to manually control the cabin altitude; the cabin altitude climbed to 11;400 feet; triggering a cabin press warning and ECAM procedure.We requested to level off at FL190; and after following the ECAM steps; we requested priority handling and initiated an emergency descent from FL190 to 10;000 feet.After stabilizing the aircraft and regaining control of pressurization; we elected to return to ZZZ; where we landed without further incident.Post-flight; the crew experienced ear pain and headaches and sought medical evaluation. Examination revealed ear drum inflammation and minor bleeding. The attending physician recommended two days of rest for recovery.Cause: Crew followed SOPs and ECAM guidance; requested priority handling appropriately; and ensured a safe return and landing.
During climb out we experienced a pressurization system failure. We were given a clearance to FL230 which we could not comply with because of the compromised pressurization. We request and received clearance to level off at FL190. From FL190 we performed an emergency descent after the pressurization system failed. We had requested priority handling and received clearance for the descent as we initiated it. We returned and landed back at ZZZ.
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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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