A-72-132
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR OPENING THE CONVAIR 580 REAR SERVICE DOOR WHICH ARE PRESENTLY AFFIXED TO THIS DOOR SHOULD BE SUBJECTED TO A THOROUGH STUDY AND REEVALUATION. THE PRESENT INSTRUCTIONS ARE MISLEADING. SIMPLE AND CLEAR LANGUAGE SHOULD BE SUBSTITUTED, SUCH AS "REMOVE PLASTIC COVER, OPEN DOOR, PULL RED INFLATE CORD." ADDITIONALLY, THE LOCKING MECHANISM (WHICH IS EASILY MISTAKEN FOR A DOOR HANDLE) SHOULD BE COVERED WITH AN OPAQUE LIGHT-WEIGHT MATERIAL OR SOME OTHER DEVICE WHICH WOULD BLEND WITH THE CABIN INTERIOR MATERIAL AND COULD NOT BE MISTAKEN AS PART OF THE EGRESS SYSTEM IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION. A COMPLETE MODIFICATION OF THE DOOR HANDLE TO SIMPLIFY ITS OPERATION SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS AN ALTERNATE SOLUTION.
In plain language (FlightFinder summary)
The NTSB advises the FAA to review and update the instructions on the Convair 580 rear service door because the current guidance is confusing. The agency suggests replacing these with straightforward steps for opening the door and covering the locking mechanism so it does not look like a handle during an emergency. Simplifying the door handle operation itself is also proposed as an alternative solution to prevent misuse.
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 | Dec 3, 1975 |
| NTSB number | DCA71AZ009 |
| Addressees | FAA |
External links
NTSB safety recommendations are advisory; addressees are not legally required to adopt them. Source: NTSB CAROL (public domain).