Introduction
On 16 March 2025, a Cathay Pacific Cargo Boeing 747-400F, registration B-LID, operating flight CX-3195 from New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), experienced a loss of cabin pressure shortly after levelling off at cruising altitude. The crew immediately donned oxygen masks, declared an emergency, and conducted a rapid descent to 10,000 feet before safely returning to JFK, where the aircraft landed on runway 22L approximately 100 minutes after departure. Emergency services were requested to inspect the aircraft for possible structural damage.
Flight & Aircraft Information
• Aircraft Type: Boeing 747-467F (Freighter)
• Operator: Cathay Pacific Cargo
• Registration: B-LID
• Engines: 4 × Rolls-Royce RB211-524G
• Flight Number: CX-3195
• Date: 16 March 2025
• Route: New York JFK (JFK/KJFK) → Toronto Pearson (YYZ/CYYZ)
• Occupants: 3 (crew only, freighter flight)
• Injuries: None
• Damage: Suspected structural or pressurisation system anomaly (pending inspection)
• Runway for Departure: RWY 31L
• Runway for Landing: RWY 22L
• Weather at Time of Landing: VMC – Visual Meteorological Conditions
Sequence of Events
1. Departure from JFK
• The aircraft departed John F. Kennedy International Airport on a routine cargo service bound for Toronto.
• Initial climb and early cruise were uneventful.
2. Cabin Pressure Loss
• Shortly after reaching FL300, the crew received alerts indicating a loss of cabin pressure.
• As per protocol, the flight crew donned oxygen masks and initiated a controlled emergency descent to 10,000 feet, ensuring safety in accordance with pressurisation failure procedures.
3. Return to JFK
• The aircraft turned back toward New York and declared a Mayday.
• Emergency services were placed on full standby.
• The aircraft conducted a safe landing on runway 22L approximately 100 minutes after departure.
• Upon landing, the aircraft held on the runway momentarily while awaiting a visual external check for any signs of structural compromise.
4. Post-Landing Inspection
• Fire and rescue teams conducted a ground-level visual inspection.
• No immediate external damage was visible; however, pressurisation system diagnostics were scheduled for maintenance review.
• The aircraft taxied under its own power to a remote cargo apron.
Technical Details & Preliminary Findings
• Cabin Pressurisation System:
• The Boeing 747-400 is equipped with automatic cabin pressure control systems, maintaining cabin altitude via two outflow valves.
• The loss of pressure suggests a possible malfunction in:
• Outflow valve actuator
• Bleed air regulation system
• Pressure control panel or sensors
• Door seal or fuselage breach (unconfirmed)
• Emergency Descent Profile:
• Initiated promptly from FL300, the descent to 10,000 feet was completed in a controlled, standard fashion.
• The crew maintained continuous communication with ATC and operated in accordance with FAA emergency procedures.
• Aircraft Damage:
• No visible structural breach reported on initial ground inspection.
• Full engineering examination was conducted, including:
• Pressurisation logs
• Flight Data Recorder (FDR)
• Cabin altitude trend reports
• Repairs or system resets were likely completed as the aircraft was returned to service within 18 hours.
Weather Information (KJFK METAR at time of landing)KJFK 162051Z 26012KT 10SM FEW045 SCT100 BKN250 11/M03 A3011 RMK AO2 SLP197
• Wind: 260° at 12 knots
• Visibility: 10 statute miles
• Clouds: Few at 4,500 ft, scattered at 10,000 ft, broken at 25,000 ft
• Temperature: 11°C
• Dewpoint: -3°C
• Altimeter: 30.11 inHg
• No significant weather hazards reported
Aftermath & Operational Impact
• The aircraft remained grounded at JFK for approximately 18 hours for engineering assessment and pressure system maintenance.
• No cargo damage or offload was reported.
• The flight crew reported no physical injuries or exposure issues.
• Flight CX-3195 resumed its schedule following full engineering clearance.
Conclusion
On 16 March 2025, a Cathay Pacific Cargo Boeing 747-400F experienced a loss of cabin pressure shortly after reaching cruise altitude departing New York JFK en route to Toronto. The crew responded in line with emergency procedures, performed a safe emergency descent, and returned to JFK without injury or visible damage. The aircraft was cleared and returned to service after approximately 18 hours on the ground. The cause of the pressure loss is subject to internal review and engineering diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This report is based on publicly available information as of 23 March 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, details may be subject to change pending further investigation. If you are the rightful owner of any media or referenced content and wish it to be removed, please contact takedown@cockpitking.com.
