NTSB Issues Recommendation A-16-002 to PHMSA Regarding Cargo Fire Safety

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued a formal safety recommendation, designated as A-16-002, addressed directly to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. This directive, associated with NTSB number DCA11RA087, urges the agency to develop and implement maximum loading density requirements for specific hazardous materials transported by air. The proposed regulations would restrict the quantities of Class 3 flammable hazardous materials or Class 9 lithium batteries that can be stowed on a single pallet, unit load device, or group thereof within an aircraft. The primary objective of this measure is to ensure that cargo fires involving these items can be effectively managed by the on-board fire suppression capabilities available on commercial aircraft. This recommendation aims to enhance aviation safety by limiting potential fire loads in the cargo hold.