A-84-076
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
THE NTSB RECOMMENDS THAT THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION: REQUIRE THAT AIR CARRIER PRINCIPAL OPERATIONS INSPECTORS REVIEW THE TRAINING PROGRAMS OF THEIR RESPECTIVE CARRIERS AND IF NECESSARY SPECIFY THAT THEY BE AMENDED TO EMPHASIZE REQUIREMENTS: - FOR FLIGHTCREWS TO TAKE IMMEDIATE AND AGGRESSIVE ACTION TO DETERMINE THE SOURCE AND SEVERITY OF ANY REPORTED CABIN FIRE AND TO BEGIN AN EMERGENCY DESCENT FOR LANDING OR DITCHING IF THE SOURCE AND SEVERITY OF THE FIRE ARE NOT POSITIVELY AND QUICKLY DETERMINED OR IF IMMEDIATE EXTINCTION IS NOT ASSURED. - FOR FLIGHT ATTENDANTS TO RECOGNIZE THE URGENCY OF INFORMING FLIGHTCREWS OF THE LOCATION, SOURCE, AND SEVERITY OF ANY FIRE OR SMOKE WITHIN THE CABIN. - FOR BOTH FLIGHTCREWS AND FLIGHT ATTENDANTS TO BE KNOWLEDGABLE OF THE PROPER METHODS OF AGGRESSIVELY ATTACKING A CABIN FIRE BY INCLUDING HANDS-ON-TRAINING IN THE DONNING OF PROTECTIVE BREATHING EQUIPMENT, THE USE OF THE FIRE AX TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE SOURCE OF THE FIRE THROUGH INTERIOR PANELS WHICH CAN BE PENETRATED WITHOUT RISK TO ESSENTIAL AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS, AND THE DISCHARGE OF AN APPROPRIATE HAND FIRE EXTINGUISHER ON AN ACTUAL FIRE.
In plain language (FlightFinder summary)
This recommendation urges the FAA to mandate that airline inspectors review carrier training programs and update them to prioritize rapid responses to cabin fires. It specifically calls for flight crews to immediately assess fire severity and begin an emergency descent if the source is not quickly identified or extinguished. Additionally, it requires improved communication between flight attendants and pilots regarding fire details, along with practical training for both groups on using protective gear, tools, and extinguishers effectively.
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 - Unacceptable Action |
|---|---|
| Mode | Aviation |
| Closed | May 12, 1986 |
| NTSB number | DCA83AA028 |
| Addressees | FAA |
External links
NTSB safety recommendations are advisory; addressees are not legally required to adopt them. Source: NTSB CAROL (public domain).