Safety issue

Safety issue description

The location of the decompression panel and absence of cabin floor sealing above the main equipment centre increased the risk of liquid ingress into the aircraft’s electrical systems.
Issue number AO-2008-003-SI-02
Issue owner Boeing Co
Transport function Aviation: Other
Date issue released 13/12/2010
Issue status justification

The ATSB is satisfied that, when completed, the actions being undertaken will adequately address the safety issue.

Safety action

Action type Proactive action
Action number AO-2008-003-NSA-029
Organisation Boeing Co
Action date 13/12/2010
Action description

In response to this occurrence, the aircraft manufacturer:

  • issued a multi-operator message containing a recommendation that operators review decompression panels that have been relocated after delivery to verify that they do not become a direct water path to the main equipment centre dripshield
  • is investigating a number of methods to improve floor sealing in 747-400 aircraft.
ATSB response

The ATSB is satisfied that, when completed, the actions taken or that are being undertaken by the aircraft manufacturer will adequately address the safety issue.
Action status Closed

Safety action

Action type Proactive action
Action number AO-2008-003-NSA-030
Organisation Qantas Airways
Action date 13/12/2010
Action description

The aircraft operator has advised that, in response to this occurrence, it has:

  • installed a water barrier gutter at the rear of the forward galley bulkhead on all of its 747-400 fleet
  • installed an additional bead of sealant around the first-class seat pods to protect the decompression panel on all of its 747-400 fleet.
ATSB response

The ATSB is satisfied that the actions taken by the aircraft operator adequately address the safety issue.
Action status Closed