A-01-027
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
THE NTSB RECOMMENDS THAT THE FAA: IMMEDIATELY ISSUE AN EMERGENCY AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE TO REQUIRE OPERATORS OF OVERWATER-EQUIPPED AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A319, A320, AND A321 AIRPLANES WITH MANUALLY CHAMFERED GIRT BARS TO (1) ENSURE THAT THE DIMENSIONS OF THE TRIGGER LOCKING MECHANISM AND THE STATIONARY PORTION OF THE GIRT BARS CONFORM TO THE DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS; (2) PERFORM A RELIABLE FUNCTIONAL TEST TO DEMONSTRATE THE PROPER ENGAGEMENT OF MANUALLY CHAMFERED GIRT BARS UNDER REALISTIC DOOR OPENING CONDITIONS; AND (3) REPAIR OR REPLACE ANY GIRT BARS THAT DO NOT MEET THE DIMENSIONAL REQUIREMENTS OR DO NOT PASS THE FUNCTIONAL TEST, BEFORE THE AIRPLANES ARE RETURNED TO SERVICE. (URGENT)
In plain language (FlightFinder summary)
The FAA is asked to issue an emergency airworthiness directive for overwater-equipped Airbus A319, A320, and A321 airplanes with manually chamfered girt bars. Operators must verify that the trigger locking mechanism and stationary girt bar dimensions match design specifications, conduct a functional test under realistic door opening conditions, and repair or replace any girt bars that fail the test or do not meet dimensions before returning the planes to service.
This plain-language summary is written by FlightFinder to explain the recommendation above. It is not the official wording — the verbatim NTSB text is quoted above.
Details
| Status | Closed - Acceptable Alternate Action |
|---|---|
| Mode | Aviation |
| Closed | Jan 3, 2002 |
| NTSB number | CHI01FA104 |
| Addressees | FAA |
External links
NTSB safety recommendations are advisory; addressees are not legally required to adopt them. Source: NTSB CAROL (public domain).