Shoddy maintenance work is being blamed for an October 2024 depressurization incident. The aircraft involved – an Avianca Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner – was flying between Bogota, Colombia, and Madrid.
According to a FlightGlobal report, the jet was cruising at 42,000 feet when the crew received an alert and executed a rapid descent.
The 787 descended to approximately 23,000 feet, but the cabin altitude increased to just over 10,000 feet when the left pack was switched off. While never exceeding 14,000 feet, the cabin altitude continued to increase to over 11,000 feet.
Oxygen masks were manually deployed in the cabin, and a message directed the crew to use theirs as well.
Investigators said data from the aircraft indicates one of the two left-hand starter generators failed, causing the cabin air compressors to go offline. The 787’s other pack was also experiencing issues.
Maintenance Work
“Major maintenance work” had been performed on the aircraft between Oct. 2 and 27. The incident flight was on Oct. 31, and the aircraft had already operated two flights after undergoing maintenance.
Portuguese investigators noted that “extensive work was performed on both packs, specifically on the recirculation fans. This work resulted in a misassembled recirculation duct, allowing a gap to occur which consequently resulted in a significant leak.”
The crew diverted to Ponta Delgada-Nordela Airport in the Azores. No injuries were reported following the incident.
Maintenance personnel said the 787’s right-hand pack can be difficult to access with little room to maneuver.
