NTSB releases safety recommendations for cargo container fire detection

In a move to introduce new safety recommendations for detection of concealed fires in cargo containers the NTSB stated that "the early stages of a fire burning inside a cargo container are concealed from detection. In later stages, when the fire grows and does become detectable, it rapidly intensifies and burns through the container to become a substantial threat to the aircraft and crew". 

The NTSB stated that it took only 2.5 minutes from fire detection to first system failures in the crash at Dubai, see Crash: UPS B744 at Dubai on Sep 3rd 2010, cargo fire, also referenced the crash at Jeju, see Crash: Asiana B744 near Jeju on Jul 28th 2011, fire in cargo hold and a third accident involving a UPS DC-8 registration N748UP in Philadelphia on Feb 7th 2006 when the crew managed to land the aircraft after a cargo fire broke out in flight, the crew escaped with minor injuries while the fire consumed most of the aircraft and cargo, see NTSB brief.

NTSB studies determined that cargo containers have significant impact on times it takes until an internal fire becomes detectable outside of the container and container construction materials have significant effect on the amount of combustible materials and energy release rate of a cargo fire. Once a fire becomes detectable outside of the cargo container, "there is little time until the fires reach levels that can compromise the integrity of the cargo compartment and then threaten the structure and systems of the aircraft."

As a result the NTSB "recommends that the FAA develop fire detection system performance requirements for the early detection of fires originating within cargo containers and pallets and, once developed, implement the new requirements."

A second recommendation reads: "The NTSB recommends that the FAA ensure that cargo container construction materials meet the same flammability requirements as all other cargo compartment materials in accordance with 14 CFR 25.855."

The third recommendation reads: "Require the installation and use of active fire suppression systems in all aircraft cargo compartments or containers, or both, such that fires are not allowed to develop."

The NTSB complains that the FAA had rejected a number of previous safety recommendations to that purpose citing cost and cost effectiveness quoting own studies on air flow distribution in loaded cargo holds however not taking into account the effects containers would create on fires inside the container.

As informações são"The Aviation Herald ".Sempre é citado o link de referência. O conteúdo é de Responsabilidade:Denilson Pereira