MD-82
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Diverted; General Declared Emergency; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
Just prior to level off at FL360 the cabin altitude warning light illuminated with aural warning and the cabin was climbing. We donned our masks; complied with the QRH and initiated an emergency descent. We then declared an emergency and diverted to a nearby airport.The First Officer did an outstanding job. The flight attendants all knew what was happening during the descent; did a great job and prepared the cabin for landing; all were well ahead of the situation. Maintenance met us at the gate and determined the problem was the pressure controller.The aircraft had been dispatched with only one operational pressure control system.
After experiencing a pressurization failure as they approached cruise altitude the flight crew of an MD-82 initiated an emergency descent; performed the associated QRH procedures and ultimately diverted to a nearby airport. The flight had been dispatched with only a one of two pressurization system operational.