During the initial arrival descent a MD80's pressurization FLOW light illuminated as it leveled at FL210 with a single pack operating. The flight attendants then reported the aft galley door seal failed and during the subsequent rapid descent to 8000' the cabin reached 11;000'.
Synopsis
During the initial arrival descent a MD80's pressurization FLOW light illuminated as it leveled at FL210 with a single pack operating. The flight attendants then reported the aft galley door seal failed and during the subsequent rapid descent to 8000' the cabin reached 11;000'.
Narrative
Descending out of FL250 the Captain noticed a flow light with cabin climbing approximately l000 FT/min. Since we were single pack operation we assumed pulling the power back was the cause. As we leveled at FL210 the power came up; but the cabin kept climbing. The Captain asked for and received 10;000 FT; then 8000 FT. We performed an expedited descent; but not what I would call an emergency descent. The cabin rose to 11;000 FT with the associated light and aural clues. In the descent the #4 Flight Attendant called saying the rear cabin service door seal had failed. No emergency was declared as far as I know we didn't get any priority handling just a nonstandard descent profile. I really feel a two pack operation would have prevented the cabin from climbing. So I file this in the 'STUFF HAPPENS' category. If this becomes a trend an inspection of the door seals might be in order. Had we been at 35;000 FT it probably would have been an emergency since we probably couldn't have beat the cabin to below 14;000 FT.
Second reporter narrative
We were then notified by the Flight Attendant that there was a loud air leak from the aft galley door. I did not feel we needed to declare an emergency because we were already descending for the arrival and did not need traffic priority.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.