Date: December 28th, 2024
Aircraft: Airbus A320-200, registration 9H-MLV
Operator: Avion Express Malta on behalf of VivaAerobus
Flight Number: VB-2220
Route: Cancun (CUN) to Ciudad Juarez (CJS), Mexico
Occupants: Not disclosed
Injuries: None reported
Damage: Under investigation
Incident Summary
On December 28th, 2024, an Avion Express Malta Airbus A320-200 operating for VivaAerobus experienced a sudden loss of cabin pressure while cruising at FL360 over the Gulf of Mexico. The crew initiated an emergency descent to FL100 and diverted to Monterrey International Airport (MTY), where the aircraft landed safely on Runway 30 approximately 75 minutes later. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew.
Sequence of Events
1. Cruising at FL360:
• The aircraft was en route from Cancun to Ciudad Juarez when a cabin pressure warning triggered an immediate response from the crew.
2. Emergency Descent:
• The crew executed a rapid emergency descent to FL100 to ensure passenger and crew safety. Oxygen masks were deployed in the cabin as part of standard procedures.
3. Diversion to Monterrey:
• The aircraft diverted to Monterrey, arriving safely without further incident. The crew communicated the situation effectively, and emergency services were on standby.
4. Passenger Transfer:
• A replacement Airbus A320-200 (registration XA-VDH) was dispatched by VivaAerobus, which transported passengers to their final destination in Ciudad Juarez with a delay of approximately 3.5 hours.
Initial Observations
1. Cabin Pressure Loss:
• The loss of cabin pressure was a critical factor. The cause, whether related to a mechanical failure (e.g., pressurization system or fuselage issue) or external factors (e.g., structural damage), remains under investigation.
2. Crew Response:
• The flight crew followed standard operating procedures, executing a controlled emergency descent and ensuring a safe landing.
3. Aircraft Status:
• The aircraft remains grounded in Monterrey more than 20 hours after the incident for inspections and potential repairs.
Passenger Experience
Passengers likely experienced a sudden deployment of oxygen masks and a rapid descent, which can be distressing. However, no injuries or adverse effects were reported, indicating effective crew management and well-maintained emergency systems.
Investigation and Focus Areas
1. Cabin Pressurization System:
• Examining the aircraft’s pressurization system for mechanical faults or failures, including valves, seals, or structural components.
2. Fuselage Integrity:
• Inspecting the airframe for potential breaches, cracks, or structural weaknesses that could have contributed to the pressure loss.
3. Maintenance Records:
• Reviewing the aircraft’s recent maintenance history to identify any overlooked issues or recurring faults.
4. Crew Actions:
• Assessing the crew’s response time and adherence to standard procedures during the emergency descent and diversion.
Safety Recommendations
1. Enhanced System Monitoring:
• Implementation of advanced diagnostic tools to provide real-time data on cabin pressurization performance.
2. Regular Structural Inspections:
• Mandating frequent fuselage and pressurization system checks, especially for aircraft operating in environments with extreme temperature changes.
3. Passenger Communication Training:
• Further training for cabin crew to manage passenger anxiety effectively during high-stress scenarios such as cabin depressurization.
Conclusion
The quick actions of the flight crew ensured the safety of everyone on board during the unexpected cabin pressure loss. The ongoing investigation will determine the root cause and provide insights to enhance operational safety for future flights.
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