Date: 2nd December 2024
Location: Near Windhoek, Namibia
Aircraft: Boeing 737-700, registration D2-TBG
Operator: TAAG Angola Airlines
Flight Number: DT-579
Route: Luanda (Angola) to Cape Town (South Africa)
Occupants: Unknown
Injuries: None reported
Summary of Events
On 2nd December 2024, TAAG Angola Airlines flight DT-579, a Boeing 737-700 operating from Luanda to Cape Town, experienced a loss of cabin pressure while cruising at FL370, approximately 350nm north of Windhoek, Namibia. The crew initiated an emergency descent to FL100, declared an emergency, and diverted to Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport for a safe landing. No injuries were reported.
The aircraft remained on the ground in Windhoek for over 82 hours for inspection and maintenance before returning to service.
Aircraft Information
The Boeing 737-700 is a narrow-body twin-engine aircraft designed for short- to medium-haul routes. Its pressurisation system maintains cabin pressure during high-altitude flights using bleed air from the engines. Any failure in this system can lead to a rapid loss of cabin pressure, requiring immediate corrective action.
Sequence of Events
1. Cruise Phase:
• The aircraft was enroute at FL370 when the cabin pressure system failed.
2. Emergency Descent:
• The crew immediately initiated an emergency descent to FL100, following standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure passenger and crew safety.
3. Diversion:
• After stabilising at FL100, the crew coordinated with air traffic control and diverted to Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport.
4. Safe Landing:
• The aircraft landed safely approximately 75 minutes after the initial pressurisation issue.
Initial Findings
Loss of Cabin Pressure
• Cabin pressurisation relies on engine bleed air systems to maintain safe cabin altitudes.
• Potential causes include:
• Malfunction of pressurisation controllers or valves.
• Structural issues, such as door or fuselage seal leaks.
• Systematic failure in bleed air or environmental control systems.
Crew Actions
• The flight crew’s prompt recognition of the pressurisation failure and execution of an emergency descent ensured passenger safety.
• Oxygen masks were likely deployed automatically for passengers and crew as part of the emergency protocol.
Safety Risks
1. Hypoxia Risk:
• Rapid cabin depressurisation at high altitudes poses the risk of hypoxia (oxygen deprivation), potentially impairing crew and passenger decision-making and response.
2. Structural Integrity:
• Failures in pressurisation systems can sometimes indicate structural damage, necessitating detailed inspections.
3. Emergency Descent Challenges:
• Rapid descent in busy airspace can increase collision risks if not properly managed with air traffic control.
Recommendations
1. Inspection and Maintenance:
• Conduct a comprehensive inspection of the pressurisation system, including valves, seals, and bleed air controllers, to identify and rectify the root cause.
2. Crew Training:
• Reinforce training for rapid depressurisation scenarios to ensure efficient execution of emergency descent procedures.
3. Passenger Briefing:
• Enhance passenger safety briefings to include information about oxygen mask deployment and proper usage during emergencies.
4. Data Monitoring:
• Analyse historical data for similar pressurisation issues within the fleet to identify potential patterns or recurring defects.
Safety Lessons
This incident underscores the importance of robust pressurisation system maintenance and training for rapid response in emergencies. The crew’s adherence to SOPs and coordination with air traffic control prevented escalation, ensuring a safe outcome for all on board.
Disclaimer
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Our investigation reports are based on all the evidence and facts available at the time of writing and posting. We apologise if any details are missed or are not fully accurate.
