Originally Posted by
DType
Long retired engineer here, but I suggest that you cannot "open" a plug, it nust be either fully in situ, or effectively "removed", however small the displacement/angle from in situ.
As stated several times, it is not a door, so cannot be opened.
How do you explain the tethers? Are you saying the reports that the plug is opened for periodic inspection are invalid? Why would the plug be supported by hinges with lift assist springs if it was never intended to be opened? Removal requires detaching the lower hinges but opening does not.
Anyone who has followed this thread and read the NTSB report will know that the plug can be opened after 4 bolts, if fitted, have been removed.
I think it's clear that this door/plug has at least 3 possible major states:
Closed (subdivided into secured and not secured)
Open (subdivided into tethered and not tethered)
Removed (subdivided into intentionally and unintentionally)
The Alaska incident illustrates that a rapid transition between states is possible.