Aircraft Cargo Door Headaches – Episode 173

This episode dives into the design and maintenance of aircraft cargo doors. Many aviation safety incidents with cargo doors are documented as maintenance issues, but some have caused notable air crashes.

Todd Curtis and John Goglia focus on the 1989 plane crash of an Evergreen International Airlines DC9. The first officer did not properly close the main deck cargo door. The door came open shortly after takeoff, which led to a loss of control and a crash.

John shares his long history dealing with cargo door issues. He shares how door engineering has evolved over time. He also explains the rush to convert passenger aircraft to cargo aircraft that came about in the 1980s due to many airlines getting into the air cargo business.

Todd and John discuss several aviation disasters involving cargo doors, including one involving a United Airlines plane near Honolulu.

Related documents at the Flight Safety Detectives website:

• NTSB Accident Report Evergreen International Airlines Flight 17
• NTSB Accident Report United Airlines Flight 811
• UK Accident Report THY Flight

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