Date: 27th November 2024
Location: Near Albany, New York, USA
Aircraft: Bombardier CRJ-900, registration N689CA
Operator: Skywest Airlines on behalf of Delta Airlines
Flight Number: DL-3831
Route: Providence, Rhode Island, to Detroit, Michigan
Occupants: Unknown
Injuries: None reported
Summary of Events
On 27th November 2024, Skywest Airlines flight DL-3831, a Bombardier CRJ-900 operating for Delta Airlines, experienced a loss of cabin pressure while cruising at 30,000 feet (FL300), approximately 30 nautical miles southeast of Albany, New York. The crew initiated an emergency descent to 10,000 feet, levelling off within 4.5 minutes. Following the descent, the flight diverted to Albany International Airport, where it landed safely on Runway 19 approximately 35 minutes after the onset of the event.
Passengers and crew disembarked safely, and a replacement Embraer ERJ-175 was deployed to complete the journey to Detroit, arriving with a delay of about 9.5 hours.
Aircraft Information
The Bombardier CRJ-900 is a twin-engine regional jet designed for short to medium-haul routes. The aircraft’s pressurisation system is designed to maintain a comfortable cabin environment, even at high cruising altitudes. A failure in the system can lead to rapid cabin altitude changes, triggering emergency protocols.
Sequence of Events
1. Cruise Phase:
• The aircraft was cruising at FL300 when the cabin pressure system failed.
• An automatic warning prompted the crew to respond.
2. Emergency Descent:
• The crew executed a rapid descent to 10,000 feet, ensuring the safety of all on board.
• The descent was completed within 4.5 minutes, adhering to standard procedures.
3. Diversion to Albany:
• The flight diverted to Albany International Airport, where it landed safely on Runway 19.
• Emergency services were on standby but were not required.
4. Post-Landing Actions:
• Passengers were accommodated and later transferred to a replacement aircraft.
• The occurrence aircraft was inspected and later ferried to Detroit for further analysis and maintenance.
Initial Findings
Possible Causes of Pressurisation Loss
1. Cabin Pressure Control System Malfunction:
• A failure in the automatic pressurisation control or manual override system may have caused the cabin altitude to rise beyond safe limits.
2. Structural Compromise:
• Issues such as seal degradation or undetected damage to the fuselage could have led to a loss of pressurisation.
3. Bleed Air System Failure:
• A malfunction in the bleed air supply, which provides pressurised air for the cabin, could be a contributing factor.
Maintenance Actions
• Inspection of the pressurisation system, including the cabin pressure controllers and outflow valves.
• Examination of fuselage integrity for leaks or structural damage.
• Testing and evaluation of the aircraft’s environmental control system.
Safety Risks
1. Hypoxia Risk:
• At high altitudes, a rapid loss of cabin pressure poses a risk of hypoxia for passengers and crew if supplemental oxygen is not used promptly.
2. Passenger Discomfort:
• Sudden changes in cabin altitude can lead to physical discomfort or panic among passengers.
3. Operational Disruptions:
• Diversions and delays caused by such events can affect airline schedules and passenger satisfaction.
Recommendations
1. System Testing:
• Conduct routine inspections and maintenance of pressurisation and bleed air systems.
2. Crew Training:
• Reinforce training on emergency descent procedures and passenger communication during in-flight emergencies.
3. Passenger Briefing:
• Include clear instructions on oxygen mask usage and emergency protocols during pre-flight safety briefings.
4. Fleet-Wide Inspections:
• Evaluate similar aircraft in the fleet for potential systemic issues in pressurisation systems.
Safety Lessons and Industry Impact
This incident highlights the critical importance of pressurisation system reliability and the effectiveness of crew training in managing such events. Rapid descent protocols and clear communication ensured the safety of passengers and crew, reinforcing the value of adherence to standard operating 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.
