AAIB investigation to DHC-8-402 Dash 8, G-JECR

Suspected rapid decompression and emergency descent, en route Birmingham to Aberdeen on 3 February 2016.

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 9 June 2016

• Category: Commercial - fixed wing
• Report type: Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
• Date of occurrence: 3 February 2016
• Aircraft type: DHC-8-402 Dash 8
• Location: Enroute Birmingham to Aberdeen
• Registration: G-JECR

Summary:

The aircraft was climbing to Flight Level (FL) 190 but, at FL170, the crew heard a loud noise followed by the sound of rushing air and the commander suspected a rapid loss of cabin pressure. He initiated an emergency descent and both crew donned oxygen masks. The aircraft diverted to Manchester Airport, flying at FL100 with the cabin depressurised, and subsequently made an uneventful landing.

No structural or mechanical faults were found, although two components from the pressurisation system were removed and sent to the manufacturer for investigation.

Download report:

DHC-8-402 Dash 8, G-JECR 06-16

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Glossary of abbreviations

Published 9 June 2016