2025-09 · NASA ASRS report 2285002
Air carrier flight crew reported loss of pressurization during descent to their destination.
I was PIC/Pilot monitoring of Flight ABCD ZZZ1-ZZZ. While descending into ZZZ at approximately FL 180; I started to feel uncomfortable pressure changes in my ears. These pressure changes started to get worse; and I looked over at ED2 (Engine Display) and noticed the cabin rate was fluctuating +/- 2500ft at one point and was in coincidence with a surging airflow sound. I also noticed the cabin altitude was rising at a fast rate. I told the FO to look at the indications on ED2. I was just about to say; we are going to get a CABIN ALT message when the caution CABIN ALT message appeared. At this point we realized that the cabin altitude was continuing to rise. So I started the CABIN ALT or Emergency Descent memory items. I assumed flying pilot duties as the FO ran the QRC then QRH. I immediately requested priority handling as we were already descending into ZZZ and ATC gave us direct ZZZ and a descent to 10;000ft. It is worth pointing out that we never saw any other messages or warnings except the original CABIN ALT messages and those those caused by the QRH actions. All doors showed normal; both packs normal; no other pressurization messages. ATC then cleared us to a lower altitude about the time the FO was finishing the QRH.At our safe altitude I had the FO remove his Oxygen mask first; I transferred controls to him and removed my oxygen mask. I then again assumed pilot flying duties. I had the FO call the cabin to get a status injury report and to relay our briefing items to the flight attendants. They said they had no current issues in the cabin and no injuries. We sent a short ACARS message to dispatch. Then we accomplished the Visual Approach to runway XX with an uneventful landing. After clearing the runway with Crash and Fire Rescue (CFR) following us; we came to a brief stop just to communicate with the flight attendants once more. (64+ oxygen generators give off a lot of heat) just wanted to make sure they were good with a normal deplaning at the gate which they replied YES. We taxied into the gate and deplaned normally. No injuries; and no negative comments as passengers deplaned; most said thank you ! After the shutdown checklist I called the dispatch coordinator and gave him the details of our descent. I then made a write up in the AML (Aircraft Maintenance Logbook) and contacted maintenance control. Maintenance control added a few additional entries about passenger and crew oxygen masks being used. The FO had no anomalies on his post flight inspection. Then we secured the aircraft and left the airport. I would like to add a special thank you to the crew members on this flight. They all acted swiftly; efficiently; effectively; and professionally. I know we were all on the same page and our communication together was an asset to our successful outcome.
I was PF on flight ABCD ZZZ1-ZZZ. On descent into ZZZ we were given a descent to 11;000 to cross ZZZZZ at that altitude. Passing somewhere between FL190 and FL180 our ears popped. This promoted the CA to make note of our rising cabin altitude. The rate and cabin altitude was increasing unrestricted. As the cabin reached towards 8;000 the CA said to throw our masks on. We accomplished the rest of the procedure and transferred the aircraft to him where he requested priority handling and began a descent. We were given direct to ZZZ and then got vectors in for runway XX. I was then running the QRC and QRH. Upon reaching 8;000ft the QRH said to advise flight attendants so the Captain instructed me to take my mask off (while he kept his on)and make contact with the flight attendants where they said everyone was fine and we accomplished the briefing items. ZZZ had airport ops and fire standing by and followed us to the gate. We had no injuries and deplaned normally and everyone got released. The CA then called Maintenance Control wrote up the malfunction then we secured the airplane and left.
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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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