FAA Advises Boeing 757 Freighter Operators to Evaluate Cargo Doors
In-flight door opening incident prompts a special airworthiness information bulletin from the agency.
Boeing 757-200 [Credit: Chris Hepburn]
The FAA has issued a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) advising operators of Boeing 757-200 freighter planes to be aware of an “airworthiness concern” regarding the main deck cargo door opening while in flight.
The bulletin, issued Friday, stated that this concern is not an unsafe condition that would warrant airworthiness directive (AD) action, though FAA investigations into the matter are still ongoing.
The agency made several recommendations for owners and operators to test opening, closing, and latching the main cargo door on 757-200 series aircraft.
These recommendations come after an incident on February 13, 2021, when a Boeing 757-236 passenger converted freighter experienced an in-flight opening of its main deck cargo door. Aviation website AeroTime reported that the aircraft involved was operating a routine domestic cargo flight to Frankfurt, Germany, when the door opened at around 5,000 feet.
“The incident occurred during the initial climb, as the airplane was ascending to its assigned cruising altitude,” the FAA stated in its SAIB. “The flight crew observed a sudden cabin pressure anomaly, but there was no instrument indication that the main deck cargo door malfunctioned or opened. Recognizing the critical nature of the situation, the flight crew declared an emergency and initiated an immediate return to the departure airport where the airplane landed safely.”
No flight crew injuries or further damage to the airplane were reported from this incident.
The FAA said the affected aircraft are equipped with a hydraulically operated main deck cargo door system. This system uses mechanical latches and locking hooks to keep the cargo door securely shut during flight.
Proximity sensors within the system also provide signals to confirm that the cargo door is locked and latched, and a cargo door warning system alerts operators to any potential anomalies.
“Ensuring the reliable engagement of locking mechanisms and accurate operation of proximity sensors is essential to prevent similar incidents, as a cargo door opening in flight can compromise cabin pressurization, jeopardize structural integrity, and pose a significant safety hazard,” the bulletin stated.
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