A-68-017
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
WE RECOMMEND THAT CONSIDERATION BE GIVEN TO RELOCATING THE TRANSFER SWITCHES ON THE FIRE CONTROL PANEL ON BOEING 707-720 AIRCRAFT TO PRECLUDE THE POSSIBILITY OF INADVERTENT MOVEMENT OF THE FIRE HANDLES DURING AN EMERGENCY. AS AN INTERIM MEASURE, WE FURTHER RECOMMEND THAT A NOTICE BE ISSUED BY APPROPRIATE MEANS TO ALL OPERATORS OF THIS SERIES AIRCRAFT POINTING OUT THE POSSIBILITY OF UNINTENDED ACTUATION OF THE FIRE HANDLES WHEN SELECTING THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER TRANSFER SWITCH.
In plain language (FlightFinder summary)
The NTSB urges the FAA to move the fire control switches on Boeing 707-720 planes so pilots cannot accidentally change them during an emergency. As a temporary fix, the agency should also warn all operators about the risk of triggering fire handles by mistake when adjusting the extinguisher switch.
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 Action |
|---|---|
| Mode | Aviation |
| Closed | Jul 22, 1968 |
| NTSB number | 79450 |
| Addressees | FAA |
External links
NTSB safety recommendations are advisory; addressees are not legally required to adopt them. Source: NTSB CAROL (public domain).