B737-300
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 178
Workload
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Diverted
Human Factors; Aircraft
On the ground; we had an MEL which led to numerous procedural events. We could not use APU air for takeoff and [had to perform] a bleeds off takeoff. Thus an unpressurized procedure was required and complied with from the AOM. At 3;000 FT; we reconfigured the aircraft to pressurized flight--packs were auto; bleeds turned on; pressurizations system to auto; and cruise altitude reselected to 34;000 FT. The aircraft began pressurizing correctly. Passing through 10;000 FT; the climb check was accomplished. The pressurization was normal at cabin altitude of 3;000 FT. Passing 29;000 FT; we got a Cabin Altitude Warning horn; and immediate complied with the abnormal pressurization memory items by putting our masks on and establishing communication. We immediately thought of the MEL; and double-checked that we had all the switches in the correct position. Finding everything correct; our next thought was getting down to 10;000 FT. I went straight to the Emergency Descent Checklist; but failed to complete the entire Abnormal Pressurization Checklist; which directs us to go to manual and close the outflow valve. We descended to 10;000 FT; and coordinated a divert.
[Narrative #2 contained no additional information.]
B737-300 flight crew experienced loss of cabin pressure. They descended to 10;000 FT and diverted to the nearest suitable airport.