Citation II S2/Bravo (C550)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 20; Flight Crew Total 6000; Flight Crew Type 3000
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Diverted; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
While [we were] in cruise at FL320; we heard a bang followed by rapid rise at 6;000+ FPM rate of climb in the cabin altitude. We initiated an emergency descent to 10;000 where we regained some control of the pressurization and continued to our maintenance facility. Maintenance determined the problem to be a failed outflow valve.
Cabin altitude quickly rose to about 20;000 FT during the descent. We also turned west toward land area. An emergency was declared.
While in cruise at FL320 the flight crew of a Citation 550 suffered a rapid loss of pressurization. They declared an emergency and conducted an emergency descent to 10;000 MSL where they regained some pressurization control and; ultimately diverted to the location of their corporate maintenance facility. There they discovered the pressurization outflow valve had failed in the full open position.