Originally Posted by
Acrosport II
Was it soon after that lawsuit Cessna closed its doors for a number of years?.
I don't know. I have no information about this alleged 170 lawsuit or when it took place. Cessna stopped producing single engine piston aircraft from 1986 to 1996. Obviously, the 185 seat track lawsuit was after production had resumed.
Originally Posted by
Acrosport II
These aircraft must have operated for a number of years before these fatal accidents. Was the seat issue always there, or was it as a result of worn out materials / fatigue. Or just not being lock in place properly before Takeoff.
An extra block with a pin that goes through the rail maybe a good idea. Set a little back before each pilot climb in.
There are short and tall pilots.
The issue is wear. the seat locks by a steel pin which extends down into a hole in the aluminium track. Over time the most frequently used holes wear. it is possible for the wear to to reach a point at which it is possible for the locking pin to pop out of the hole.
The fix that Cessna has offered is to install a locking belt reel, much like a retractable shoulder harness belt reel. The reel attaches to the seat and the end of the belt fastens to the floor of the aircraft, under the seat. The locking mechanism is attached to the seat adjustment lever which retracts the locking pin. When you raise the handle, you can slide the seat back. When the handle is down, the belt reel locks, preventing the seat from sliding back, regardless of pin engagement.