Unsecured baggage caused cargo door blockage on Ryanair Sun flight

Casualties unknown • Tirana (LATI) / Albania, PL

Improperly secured luggage prevented the opening of a cargo door on a Boeing 737-700 at LATI airport.

What happened

On September 8, 2024, a Ryanair Sun S.A. flight operating a scheduled service from LATI to EPGD experienced an issue involving the aircraft's cargo compartment. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-700/73S with registration SP-RSW, was prepared for departure at LATI. During the ground handling process prior to takeoff, the cargo in hold number 3 was not properly secured, and the required cargo nets were not utilized.

Upon the aircraft's arrival at EPGadamente, it was discovered that the unsecured luggage had shifted during the flight. This movement resulted in the blockage of cargo door number 3, preventing it from being operated correctly.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the ground handling procedures at LATI airport. The inquiry examined the loading process of the aircraft's baggage compartment and the specific steps taken by ground personnel to secure the load before departure.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the incident was the failure to use cargo nets to secure the load within hold number 3.
  • Ground handling personnel at LATI incorrectly secured the baggage, allowing for loose movement during flight.

Safety action

  • Additional training for personnel responsible for baggage loading at LATI has been proposed to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

Probable cause

The incident was caused by the failure to use cargo nets to properly secure baggage in hold number 3 during ground operations.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2024-09-08 Boeing 737-700 73S accident near Tirana (LATI) / Albania, PL?

Improperly secured luggage prevented the opening of a cargo door on a Boeing 737-700 at LATI airport.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2024-09-08 involved a Boeing 737-700 73S, registration SP-RSW, operated by Ryanair Sun, at Tirana (LATI) / Albania, PL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The incident was caused by the failure to use cargo nets to properly secure baggage in hold number 3 during ground operations.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2024-0109/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.

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