EMB ERJ 145 ER/LR
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Confusion; Troubleshooting; Time Pressure; Distraction
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Aircraft
The initial climb was uneventful. As we leveled off at FL330; the Captain noticed that the cabin altitude was indicating above 8;000ft; and showing a climb of about 200FPM. We asked; and were given a lower altitude from ATC. As we started our descent; the cabin altitude continued to climb. The climb rate at this point was still around 100-300FPM. We donned our oxygen masks; and [notified] ATC. We coordinated with the Flight Attendant (FA) and accomplished the CABIN DEPRESSURIZATION QRH procedure as we were descending. I informed dispatch and the company of the situation; and ZZZ was determined to be a suitable airport. The cabin altitude reached around 10;300ft at its highest point; which did not allow for the passenger oxygen masks to deploy. We reached a safe altitude; and conducted a visual approach into ZZZ without further incident. The main threat from this event was our loss of pressurization. An error would be a failure to monitor and cross check; which prevented us from detecting the abnormal cabin altitude earlier in the flight. We reacted to the undesired aircraft state and corrected the situation. This event has taught me to be more vigilant with scanning and cross checking the instruments. An improved scan would allow me to detect such a situation earlier in the flight.
A pilot of a regional jet reported an inability to control cabin pressurization once established at cruise altitude. A lower altitude and diversion to a suitable airport occurred. The flight landed uneventfully.