Converted 757 cargo door concerns addressed in new FAA bulletin
The FAA has issued a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) to address potential safety concerns pertaining to the main cargo deck door on certain passenger-to-freighter 757-200 conversions.
The voluntary recommendations outlined in the 21 February bulletin follow an incident in 2021, where the main cargo door of a 757 freighter (operated by DHL Air) opened during the aircraft’s initial climb out of Leipzig. Although the aircraft returned safely to the airport, DHL subsequently confirmed that the flight had experienced “technical issues,” adding: “During the flight lightweight parts of an aircraft cargo door frame were torn off”.
The FAA has now recommended that certain maintenance procedures be carried out every 5,000 flight cycles or hours. These include door opening/closing testing, verification of locking mechanisms, inspection of viewing ports and locking components, and regular cleaning and maintenance. Latches and locking pins exhibiting paint defects should also be rectified.
Additionally, consideration for cold weather operations – including additional inspections in freezing conditions, and the removal of snow or ice – are also detailed.
