The Australian Transportation Safety Bureau (ATSB) has recently put out a couple of important safety advisories for those who own or operate Cessna 206 aircraft. The focus is on the clam-shell style, double cargo door located on the rear right side of the plane. The problem arises when the aircraft’s flaps are extended 10 degrees or more, making it impossible to open the overlapping cargo door without a two-step process. This could potentially slow down the evacuation process during emergencies, which is a big concern for safety.
To tackle this issue, the ATSB is urging operators to conduct thorough pre-flight safety briefings and demonstrations on how to properly operate these doors. They also suggest considering modifications to the door to ensure it opens smoothly or even removing the middle row seat entirely. These recommendations come after several investigations into similar incidents, including a notable one in September 2024 in Moora. In that case, after a crash landing, the pilot couldn’t raise the flaps, forcing a child and an elderly passenger to climb over seats to exit through the forward left cabin door. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the ATSB warns that in more severe situations, these modifications could be crucial.
ATSB chief commissioner Angus Mitchell highlighted the importance of these changes, pointing out that while no injuries occurred in the Moora incident, similar situations have led to fatalities in the past due to delayed evacuations. This is especially critical if there’s a fire or water landing involved. The ATSB’s recommendations align with a 2018 initiative by Transport Canada, which mandates Cessna 206 owners to either remove the middle seat or install an approved door modification. It’s clear that these safety measures are not just bureaucratic red tape but essential steps to enhance passenger safety.
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Originally reported by AVweb Read More
