Southwest Airlines Boeing returns to Denver due to cabin pressurization issues

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Southwest Airlines Boeing returns to Denver due to cabin pressurization issues

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Simple Flying | Simple Flying

By Sky Industry News

Nov 24, 2024

A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800, operating Flight SWA4277 from Denver to Oakland, returned to Denver shortly after takeoff due to a cabin pressurization issue. The incident occurred on November 21st, and the aircraft landed safely without any injuries reported.

The flight took off from Denver International Airport at 20:50 local time but was forced to divert back after reaching an altitude of 12,200 feet within four minutes. According to Flight Aware data, the aircraft quickly descended and performed two circuits at a lower altitude before landing back in Denver.

Passengers deplaned safely, and no oxygen masks were deployed during the incident. The aircraft involved is registered as N8551Q and has been with Southwest Airlines since October 2017. It was grounded for inspection following the event.

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Southwest Airlines arranged for another aircraft to transport passengers to their destination in Oakland. The replacement flight departed at 22:56 local time and arrived in Oakland approximately two-and-a-half hours later than scheduled.

The failed aircraft's pressurization system uses engine bleed air to maintain cabin pressure between 6,000 and 8,000 feet. Failures can occur if outflow valves malfunction, requiring flights to stay below 10,000 feet or be canceled altogether.

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