Date: 4th December 2024
Location: Near Warsaw, Poland
Aircraft: Embraer ERJ-175, registration SP-LIA
Operator: LOT Polish Airlines
Flight Number: LO-269
Route: Warsaw (Poland) to Amsterdam (Netherlands)
Occupants: Unknown
Injuries: None reported
Summary of Events
On 4th December 2024, LOT Polish Airlines Flight LO-269, an Embraer ERJ-175, was operating a scheduled passenger service from Warsaw Chopin Airport (EPWA) to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (EHAM). During the climb phase, as the aircraft passed through FL280, the crew received a “CABIN ALTITUDE HIGH” warning, indicating a failure in the cabin pressurisation system.
The crew promptly responded by:
1. Requesting an immediate descent to mitigate the risk of hypoxia,
2. Descending initially to FL220 and later further to FL110, and
3. Declaring an emergency and deciding to return to Warsaw.
The aircraft landed safely on runway 33 at Warsaw Chopin Airport approximately 55 minutes after departure.
Aircraft Details
• Type: Embraer ERJ-175
• Registration: SP-LIA
• Engines: 2x General Electric CF34-8E
• Configuration: Passenger aircraft
• Operator: LOT Polish Airlines
The Embraer E175 is a regional jet frequently used for short- to medium-haul routes. It is equipped with an automatic pressurisation system designed to regulate cabin altitude throughout all flight phases.
Sequence of Events
1. Climb Phase:
• The aircraft was climbing through FL280 when the “CABIN ALTITUDE HIGH” warning illuminated, indicating a pressurisation system malfunction.
• Cabin altitude likely exceeded 10,000 feet, triggering the warning.
2. Descent and Diversion:
• The crew requested and was cleared for an immediate descent to FL220 to stabilise cabin pressure.
• Further descent to FL110 was performed to ensure a breathable cabin environment.
3. Return to Warsaw:
• The crew declared an emergency and opted to return to Warsaw.
• The aircraft landed safely on runway 33 without further incident.
4. Post-Landing Procedures:
• The aircraft was inspected for pressurisation system faults.
• Passengers were safely disembarked.
Initial Findings
The following areas are under investigation by Poland’s PKBWL:
1. Cabin Pressurisation System:
• Malfunction of the outflow valve, pressure controllers, or associated sensors.
• Faults within the air conditioning packs (responsible for cabin airflow and pressurisation).
2. System Redundancy:
• Evaluation of the automatic pressurisation system’s redundancy and performance during the incident.
3. Flight Crew Response:
• Assessment of crew adherence to Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) procedures for “CABIN ALTITUDE HIGH.”
4. Maintenance History:
• Examination of recent maintenance logs for the cabin pressurisation system and related components.
Safety Risks
1. Hypoxia Risk:
• Cabin altitude exceeding safe limits (10,000 feet) can expose occupants to hypoxia (oxygen deprivation), posing a health and safety risk.
2. Diversion Challenges:
• Pressurisation system malfunctions can necessitate rapid descents, increasing pilot workload and fuel consumption.
3. Passenger Comfort:
• Pressurisation issues can cause discomfort, ear pain, and stress for passengers.
Recommendations
1. System Diagnostics and Repair:
• Conduct a comprehensive inspection of the pressurisation system, including outflow valves, pressure sensors, and air conditioning packs.
2. Crew Training:
• Reinforce flight crew training on managing cabin pressurisation failures and emergency descents.
3. Preventive Maintenance:
• Implement additional checks on pressurisation systems during routine maintenance for the Embraer E175 fleet.
4. Passenger Awareness:
• Enhance passenger communication during incidents to reduce anxiety and ensure safety procedures are understood.
Safety Lessons
The incident highlights the importance of:
• Proactive system monitoring to detect pressurisation anomalies early,
• Flight crew preparedness to execute rapid descents and emergency returns when required, and
• Robust maintenance protocols to minimise the likelihood of critical system failures.
The crew’s decisive actions ensured a safe outcome, demonstrating effective crisis management in line with established safety procedures.
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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.
