Overview
On January 5th, 2025, a Camair Boeing 737-700, registration TJ-QCA, operating flight QC-222 from Yaounde to Garoua (Cameroon), experienced a loss of cabin pressure during the initial descent towards Garoua.
• Aircraft Details: Boeing 737-700
• Passengers: Unknown (commercial flight)
• Crew: Unknown
• Damage: None reported
• Status: Incident under review
Sequence of Events
1. Descent and Pressurization Failure
• While descending towards Garoua, the crew detected a loss of cabin pressure.
• The passenger oxygen masks deployed, as required by the emergency protocols for depressurization events.
2. Emergency Descent and Landing
• The crew initiated an emergency descent to a safe altitude, ensuring cabin oxygen levels remained adequate for passengers and crew.
• The aircraft subsequently landed safely at Garoua Airport, with no reported injuries or additional complications.
3. Post-Incident Actions
• The aircraft remained on the ground in Garoua for about 2 days before being repositioned to Douala, presumably for further inspection and maintenance.
Preliminary Findings
1. Cabin Pressurization System
• The pressurization failure occurred during the initial descent phase, a critical moment when significant altitude and pressure changes are managed by the aircraft’s Environmental Control System (ECS).
• Possible causes include:
• Mechanical failure in the pressurization or bleed air system.
• Faulty cabin pressure control valves or outflow valves.
2. Crew Response
• The crew’s prompt action to initiate an emergency descent ensured the safety of all occupants.
• The deployment of passenger oxygen masks functioned as intended.
3. Aircraft Inspection
• The extended ground time in Garoua suggests the need for detailed inspections of the cabin pressurization system, including components like:
• Bleed air supply lines
• Pressure control valves
• Cabin sealing and integrity
Recommendations
1. Inspection and Maintenance
• Conduct a comprehensive inspection of the Environmental Control System, focusing on cabin pressure components, seals, and valves.
2. Crew Training
• Reinforce training on cabin depressurization response protocols to ensure rapid and effective mitigation of similar occurrences.
3. Operational Procedures
• Review the maintenance history of the aircraft to identify any recurring issues related to pressurization systems.
Safety Impact
Cabin depressurization events, while rare, pose a significant risk to passenger and crew safety. Immediate and effective action is critical to minimize risks. This incident underscores the importance of regular maintenance, robust systems design, and rigorous crew training.
Disclaimer
This report is based on the information available as of January 7th, 2025. For image takedown requests, contact takedown@cockpitking.com. Further updates will follow as additional findings emerge.
