Super King Air 350
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 250; Flight Crew Total 2000; Flight Crew Type 400
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution
Aircraft
We were leveled off at our cruising altitude FL270 enroute from to ZZZ. A few minutes after leveling off and running the cruise checklist the plane depressurized. The depressurization was rapid; cabin climbing in excess of 3;000 FPM. The first thing I noticed was the pressure in my ear at which point I immediately checked the cabin VSI and the differential pressure gauge. A moment later we got the red altitude light at which point me and the pilot flying both reached for and donned our oxygen masks; ran through the memory items for depressurization and backed that up with the emergency checklist. While running the checklist I requested a lower altitude from Center; an initial vector to [the airport]; and the pilot flying began an emergency descent. After completing the checklist I turned around to check on our 2 passengers and confirmed that they were both putting on their oxygen masks and had their seat belts fastened. center handed us off to another controller who cleared us down to 10;000 feet MSL and asked us if we [had an issue] to which I responded yes. The controller then asked if any services were required; to which I replied no. We leveled off at 10;000 feet and continued the flight without issue and landed [safely].
BE-350 Captain experiences a rapid decompression at FL270 and diverts to the nearest suitable airport.