Date: December 20, 2024
Aircraft Involved:
• Aircraft Type: Airbus A330-200
• Registration: LV-GIF
• Operator: Aerolíneas Argentinas
• Flight Number: AR-1132
• Route: Buenos Aires (Ezeiza), Argentina to Madrid, Spain
Incident Overview
On December 20, 2024, Aerolíneas Argentinas flight AR-1132, operating an Airbus A330-200 from Buenos Aires, Argentina to Madrid, Spain, experienced cabin pressure issues while cruising at FL350 near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Approximately three hours into the flight, the crew initiated a controlled descent to FL250 and later to FL100 before deciding to return to Buenos Aires. The aircraft entered a holding pattern at FL050 to burn off fuel over the Rio de la Plata region before landing safely at Buenos Aires Ezeiza Airport on runway 29.
All passengers and crew disembarked without incident.
Sequence of Events
1. Cruise Phase:
• The aircraft was cruising at FL350 approximately three hours into the flight when cabin pressure irregularities were detected.
2. Controlled Descent:
• The flight crew executed a gradual descent to FL250 to address the issue.
• A further descent to FL100 followed as a precautionary measure.
3. Decision to Return:
• After assessing the situation, the captain decided to return to Buenos Aires.
4. Fuel Burn and Safe Landing:
• To meet safe landing weight requirements, the aircraft entered a holding pattern at FL050 and burned off excess fuel over the Rio de la Plata region.
• The aircraft landed safely at Ezeiza Airport approximately seven hours after departure.
5. Passenger Announcements:
• Passengers reported the captain announced the cabin pressure issue during the return to Buenos Aires.
Initial Findings
1. Cabin Pressure Anomaly:
• The specific cause of the cabin pressure issue is under investigation. Potential causes include:
• Malfunctioning outflow valves or pressure control systems.
• A fault in the cabin pressurization system.
2. Flight Crew Response:
• The crew’s adherence to standard operating procedures ensured the safety of passengers and the aircraft.
3. Operational Impact:
• The flight was delayed, and passengers were re-accommodated on alternative flights to Madrid.
Analysis and Recommendations
1. Technical Investigation:
• Inspect the aircraft’s cabin pressurization system, including outflow valves, sensors, and the Environmental Control System (ECS), to identify the fault.
2. Fleet-wide Inspection:
• Conduct a fleet-wide review of the A330-200 pressurization systems to ensure no systemic issues exist.
3. Crew Training and Review:
• Reinforce training for pilots to manage cabin pressure anomalies, ensuring a prompt and efficient response in such events.
4. Passenger Communication:
• Continue providing clear and timely information to passengers during in-flight issues to maintain calm and confidence.
Disclaimer
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Our investigation reports are based on all the evidence and facts we have at the time of writing and posting. We apologise if any details are missed or are not fully accurate.
