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Status	Information verified through data from accident investigation authorities
Date	Sunday 8 March 1998
Time	11:05
Type	Airbus A320-211
Operator	Ansett Australia Airlines
Registration	VH-HYB
MSN	023
Year of manufature	1988
Engines	CFMI CFM56-5A1
Crew	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants:
Passengers	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants:
Total occupants	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants:
Aircraft damage	None
Location	19 km SSE Wonthaggi, (VOR) Australia
Phase	En route
Nature	Passenger - Scheduled
Departure Airport	Hobart, TAS
Destination Airport	Melbourne, VIC
Narrative	The Airbus A320 on a flight from Hobart to Melbourne had commenced descent from flight level (FL) 350 to FL210 when the aircraft cabin altitude began to rise rapidly. The co-pilot was unable to control the cabin pressurisation manually. The flight crew donned oxygen masks, and the pilot in command requested and was given a clearance by air traffic control for an immediate descent to 10,000 ft. During the descent, the passenger oxygen masks deployed. The aircraft subsequently made an uneventful approach and landing at Melbourne Airport. The operator found that the electronic control of the pressurisation outflow control-valve had failed, allowing the valve to remain in the fully open position. The valve was changed and the aircraft returned to service. The valve has been returned to the manufacturer in France for further evaluation.

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