A B767 L FWD ENTRY DOOR warning light appeared climbing out of 14;000 FT. The door handle was out of the closed position with a gap noted and air escaping. The Crew returned to the departure airport for an over weight landing.
Synopsis
A B767 L FWD ENTRY DOOR warning light appeared climbing out of 14;000 FT. The door handle was out of the closed position with a gap noted and air escaping. The Crew returned to the departure airport for an over weight landing.
Narrative
During climb at approximately 14;000 FT and 300 KIAS the EICAS L FWD ENTRY DOOR and ENTRY DOOR warning light illuminated. The load master verified that the door handle was approximately 1/3 travel open and there was light coming in from around the door. After completing the entry doors non normal we returned to our departure airport. We held over the airport to review the landing and discuss the possible effects of the door opening further when the aircraft configuration was changed for landing. At the time of turn-back we were approximately 30;000 LBS over maximum landing weight. At the completion of our landing preparations we were approximately 20;000 LBS over maximum landing weight. It was decided that it was safer to land overweight than to continue flight with a door that might open further with unknown effects on the flight characteristics of the aircraft. An overweight landing was accomplished with no further difficulties. Prior to push back the Load Master confirmed that the door was closed and locked. The warning lights were checked. Ground Maintenance confirmed that the external door handle was in the full down and stowed position.
Second reporter narrative
Climbing through 14;000 FT MSL; the L FWD ENT DOOR LT and the ENTRY DOORS LT illuminated. The Load Master inspected the door and told the flight crew that the door handle was 1/3 open and that he could hear air escaping through the door. He tried to secure the door with no success. We then had him secure the cockpit door and strap himself into the observer's seat. We then completed all non-normal checklists and requested ATC to reroute us back to our departure airport and to put us into holding. We were vectored to and held at the VOR. While holding; we talked about what to expect during configuration changes; approach and landing. Our weight was 303;000 LBS; 20;000 LBS over our maximum landing weight. Our thinking was that the door might separate and compound our problems. We therefore chose to land overweight.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.