Incident Overview
On January 10, 2025, a LIAT20 Embraer ERJ-145, registration 5N-BUV, operating flight GAO-327 from Bridgetown, Barbados, to Georgetown, Guyana, experienced a loss of cabin pressure while cruising at FL310 approximately 130nm south of Bridgetown. The crew initiated an emergency descent to FL100 and returned to Bridgetown, landing safely on runway 09 approximately 65 minutes after departure.
Sequence of Events
1. Departure and Climb:
• The aircraft departed from Bridgetown’s runway 09, ascending to its cruising altitude of FL310.
2. Pressurization Issue:
• While enroute at FL310, the crew observed cabin pressure anomalies and initiated emergency procedures.
• The passenger oxygen masks deployed as per system design.
3. Emergency Descent:
• The crew initiated a rapid descent to FL100 to ensure cabin pressure safety.
4. Return to Bridgetown:
• The flight turned around and landed safely on runway 09 without further complications.
Passenger and Crew Impact
• All passengers and crew were unharmed.
• Oxygen masks were utilized by passengers during the emergency descent.
Technical Analysis
1. Cabin Pressurization System:
• The ERJ-145’s Environmental Control System (ECS) regulates cabin pressure through bleed air from the engines. A failure in this system can result in cabin altitude exceeding safe levels.
2. Potential Causes:
• Bleed Air Leak or Failure: A malfunction in the bleed air system supplying pressurization.
• Outflow Valve Malfunction: If the valve failed in an open position, cabin pressure could not be maintained.
• Structural Issue: A door or seal failure leading to depressurization.
3. Post-Incident Inspection:
• Maintenance teams are expected to conduct a thorough examination of the pressurization system, including the outflow valves, bleed air ducts, and structural integrity.
Safety Actions and Recommendations
1. Immediate Maintenance Actions:
• Inspect and repair the pressurization system components, particularly the bleed air and outflow valve systems.
2. Enhanced Crew Training:
• Reassess training scenarios for handling pressurization issues, including rapid descent protocols and communication with passengers.
3. Operational Monitoring:
• Introduce additional monitoring of ECS performance data during climb to detect early signs of system degradation.
4. Manufacturer Coordination:
• Collaborate with Embraer to analyze system reliability and review existing service bulletins related to pressurization.
Conclusion
The crew’s prompt recognition of the pressurization issue and adherence to emergency protocols ensured a safe outcome. Further investigation will focus on determining the root cause of the depressurization to prevent recurrence.
Disclaimer:
This report is based on available information as of January 11, 2025. Updates may follow pending further investigation. For content concerns, contact takedown@cockpitking.com.
