May 5, 2004 18:12
A plane flying into Norwich sparked a major alert after its door opened mid-flight.
Fire crews from Aylsham, Acle, Hethersett, Norwich, Reepham and Wymondham were on standby after the incident involving the KLM Fokker 100 aircraft.
An engineering light in the cockpit alerted the crew that a door was open prompting emergency response crews to rush to the landing strip at Norwich International Airport.
A Norfolk fire service spokesman said that seven people were on board the plane, but the flight landed safely and there were no reported injuries.
A KLM spokesman said that no commercial passengers were on board as it was an engineering flight and the plane was embarking on an air-test.
The aircraft is believed to be the same type used by the firm’s engineering subsidiary for maintenance work.
By: Bmused55 - 12th May 2004 at 08:35
Exactly. Which Is why I agree with Wys’s initial thoughts.
Just a faulty sensor.
By: greekdude1 - 12th May 2004 at 08:34
Most modern aircraft employ a plug type design, where the cabin pressure actually helps seal the door. These door when being opened first need to be pulled in a little, then swung out. (Like the 757 for example)
Yes, this is exactly what I was referring to, again, making it virtually impossible to open while the cabin is pressurized.
By: Bmused55 - 12th May 2004 at 08:31
Well, it depends what kind of door it is. Most modern aircraft employ a plug type design, where the cabin pressure actually helps seal the door. These door when being opened first need to be pulled in a little, then swung out. (Like the 757 for example)
Some however rely on the strength of the hinges and locking mechanisms. Much like you would find on a Cessna or Piper but with more seals.
These doors are basicaly no more advanced than the average front door to a house. I don’t think any modern planes, use this method anymore. Maybe the Embrear 145 and Canadair CRJ though… they seem too small for plug doors.
Whiskey d, care to add to that?
By: greekdude1 - 12th May 2004 at 08:25
With the cabin being pressurized, isn’t is virtually impossible for a door to open by itself?
By: Bmused55 - 12th May 2004 at 08:23
My thoughts exactly.
If the door had opened, we certainly woould have heard much more about it.
Sensationalism once more
By: wysiwyg - 12th May 2004 at 01:08
It was probably a case of a caution message appearing on EICAS. Each door has a microswitch which relays a signal up front telling us if it is closed or not. These switches fairly frequently pack up and failsafe to an unlocked condition. I would be very surprised if the door ever actually moved from the fully locked position, however the flight crew have to act according to the indication they receive.
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May 8, 2004 at 3:03 pm