NTSB Recommends Stricter Latches for B-747 Oversized Compartments
The agency urges the FAA to mandate stronger latches and limit opening distance for compartments that formerly held liferafts.
The National Transportation Safety Board has issued a new recommendation directed at the Federal Aviation Administration regarding safety standards for specific aircraft storage areas. The NTSB advises that an airworthiness directive be issued to require the installation of stronger latches in oversized storage compartments on all B-747 airplanes. These particular compartments formally held liferafts. In addition to the hardware upgrade, the recommendation includes a requirement to limit the distance that these compartments can be opened. This measure aims to enhance safety by preventing potential issues related to the secure closure of these large storage spaces during flight operations.
Original regulatory source: https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/sr-details/A-90-059