Incident Overview
On December 29, 2024, a Skywest Canadair CRJ-200, registration N930EV, operating as United Airlines flight UA-5024 from Denver, CO, to Cheyenne, WY, experienced cabin pressurization issues shortly after departure. The aircraft was carrying 48 passengers and crew members. The flight crew donned oxygen masks and initiated a return to Denver International Airport (DEN), where the aircraft landed safely approximately 20 minutes after departure.
Incident Summary
The CRJ-200 departed from Denver’s runway 25 and began its climb. At around 11,000 feet, the crew observed that the cabin was not pressurizing correctly. Recognizing the potential hazard, the pilots donned oxygen masks and requested clearance to descend to 10,000 feet.
After a controlled descent, the crew executed a safe return to Denver, landing on runway 16R. Passengers were disembarked without further incident, and no injuries were reported.
A replacement aircraft, a CRJ-200 with registration N967SW, was dispatched to complete the flight to Cheyenne, resulting in a delay of approximately 5.5 hours. The affected aircraft was inspected and returned to service about 7 hours and 45 minutes after landing.
Technical Analysis
Pressurization System
The CRJ-200 relies on its Environmental Control System (ECS) to maintain cabin pressure at higher altitudes. The ECS uses bleed air from the engines to pressurize the cabin. Failure in this system can be attributed to several factors, including:
• Bleed Air Supply Failure: A malfunction in the bleed air system, either through a valve failure or blockage.
• Pressure Controller Malfunction: Faulty controllers can fail to regulate pressure adequately.
• Structural Leak: A breach in the fuselage or door seals could lead to depressurization.
Flight Crew Actions
The crew followed established procedures by:
1. Donning oxygen masks as per emergency protocols.
2. Requesting an immediate descent to a safe altitude of 10,000 feet.
3. Returning the aircraft safely to Denver.
Their adherence to standard operating procedures ensured passenger safety and minimized risk.
Aircraft Examination
Post-landing inspection focused on the following components:
• Bleed Air Valves and Lines: To identify any blockages or mechanical failures.
• Pressure Controllers: To assess calibration and functionality.
• Door Seals and Structural Integrity: To rule out air leaks.
No immediate findings were reported, allowing the aircraft to resume operations after a thorough check.
Safety Implications and Recommendations
Safety Lessons
1. Critical Systems Monitoring: The event highlights the importance of real-time monitoring of pressurization systems during critical flight phases.
2. Crew Preparedness: The crew’s prompt response underscores the value of training in handling in-flight emergencies.
Recommendations
1. Conduct additional checks on the pressurization system during routine maintenance, especially focusing on valves, controllers, and seals.
2. Provide enhanced training scenarios for cabin pressurization failures to flight crews.
3. Ensure detailed maintenance records are shared with operators to identify recurring issues.
Conclusion
The incident was effectively managed by the flight crew, with no injuries reported and minimal operational disruption. The rapid identification and handling of the pressurization issue demonstrate the robustness of Skywest’s emergency procedures and crew training. However, further investigation into the root cause of the system failure is recommended to prevent future occurrences.
This report is based on available information as of January 1, 2025. Further updates will follow pending additional findings.
