B737 flight crew reported cabin pressurization issue during arrival descent. Crew donned oxygen masks and continue to landing.
Synopsis
B737 flight crew reported cabin pressurization issue during arrival descent. Crew donned oxygen masks and continue to landing.
Narrative
We had started our decent on the ZZZZZ arrival into ZZZ when we received a CABIN ALTITUDE warning alert between FL210 and FL200. I felt a change in pressure seconds after the alert. We donned the oxygen masks and established communication between PF and PM. Following that; we ran the QRC and began an expedited decent to 10;000 ft; requesting priority handling with ATC. Hard to remember clearly but in the decent we spoke with the flight attendants and they informed us the passenger oxygen masks had not deployed. In the decent ATC asked if we wanted expedited handling and if we wanted XXR for a landing runway. We decided yes for both. In downwind to base we ran the appropriate checklist. We received vectors to intercept XXR for a visual approach backed by an ILS. After landing we stopped on taxiway 1 and spoke with safety vehicles who asked if we needed further assistance. After checking with FA's; no one was injured or passed out so no assistance was needed. The safety vehicles followed us to gate XX where the captain made a logbook entry.Post Script: We were originally delayed for the radio not transmitting on my (FO) side. After shutting down the aircraft and restarting; the problem was solved. After the CABIN ALTITUDE warning; we took our masks off around 8;000 ft and this problem returned. I could not speak to ATC through a head set so I did my PM duties through the hand mic.I could have been personally more prepared if I would have looked deeper into the logbook and saw a similar event as this happened the day before. I assumed our only problem was an inop right pack. The Captain and I spoke about the problem the previous flight had but I did not know they received a Cabin Altitude Alert. We were also on a minimum rest overnight and delayed dealing with a problem with the radio on my side; mentioned above.
Second reporter narrative
I was PF for Flt ABC ZZZ1-ZZZ on Day 0. At FL210; we were instructed to descend via ZZZZZ arrival and were currently direct to ZZZZZ. After passing FL200; the cabin altitude warning came on. I said my aircraft and we donned our O2 masks while the FO who was PM requested priority handling with ATC and performed all required checklists. We coordinated with the FAs to make sure that everyone was doing well in the cabin. O2 masks did not deploy in the main cabin. We expedited our descent to 10000 ft and we requested to land XXR for expedited landing. After landing; we were met by emergency vehicles to inspect the aircraft and to inquire if we needed further assistance. We then called the FAs to confirm that everyone in the cabin was good and did not require medical assistance. We then proceeded to gate XX for deplaning. At the gate; I contacted dispatch to inform them about the priority handling request.Aircraft arrived inbound into ZZZ1 the night prior to our flight with the same write up of Cabin Altitude warning coming on descending past 16000 ft. The aircraft was checked by maintenance in ZZZ1 and was cleared to fly our flight. In addition to the aircraft having a previous write up of Cabin Altitude Warning; it also had an MEL for inop Pack 2.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.