ScotAir Pax Door Opens on Runway.
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Join Date: Feb 2001
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ScotAir Pax Door Opens on Runway.
The passenger door opened on a Dornier 328 of Scotair yesterday as it accelerated down the runway at EDI. For those not familiar it is hinged at floor level and folds outwards with the steps integral to the door. The door apparently came fully open and was not just a microswitch problem. Anybody got any more info?. . . . <small>[ 07 March 2002, 08:19: Message edited by: Billy Whizz ]</small>
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I have been told by an engineer that the Dornier pre presurises on the ground once both engines have been running for more than 2 mins. Also the design of the door locking pins physically prevent the door from opening fully unless somebody opens it from the inside. Yes the door is hinged at floor level but the door C of G is such that it requires one of the good looking hosties to push it open.
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How the door opened remains a mystery but the AAIB have the FDR and it is certain that they will resolve the issue. Dornier moved swiftly to order checks on all 328s last week.. .. .As for the comments of Lenny Godber, while essentially correct the implication is that the door can only be opened from the inside. This is clearly incorrect otherwise getting in first flight of the day would be a bit tricky as would access on the ground in an emergency.. .. .The door on the 328 is held closed by a conventional pin latch. It is not a plug door. This is not the point however. The real concern is that the door still appears to function correctly although damaged from the incident which was essentially an explosive decompression even if it was at low differential pressure. We await the results of the enquiry.
