Interpretation of material flammability test requirements
Regulatory authorities take action to ensure the accurate and consistent interpretation of the regulations governing material flammability requirements for aircraft materials so as to prevent the use of any material with inappropriate flammability characteristics.
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Air transportation safety investigation report
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|---|---|
| Date the recommendation was issued |
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| Date of the latest response |
July 2007
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| Date of the latest assessment |
February 2007
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| Rating of the latest response |
Fully Satisfactory
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| File status |
Closed
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All responses are those of the stakeholders to the TSB in written communications and are reproduced in full. The TSB corrects typographical errors in the material it reproduces without indication but uses brackets [ ] to show other changes or to show that part of the response was omitted because it was not pertinent.
Summary of the occurrence
On 02 September 1998, Swissair Flight 111, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft, departed John F. Kennedy Airport in New York, New York, en route to Geneva, Switzerland. Approximately one hour after take-off, the crew diverted the flight to Halifax, Nova Scotia, because of smoke in the cockpit. While the aircraft was manoeuvring in preparation for landing in Halifax, it struck the water near Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia, fatally injuring all 229 occupants on board. The investigation revealed that the flight crew had lost control of the aircraft as a result of a fire in the aircraft's ceiling area, forward and aft of the cockpit bulkhead.
The Board concluded its investigation and released report A98H0003 on 27 March 2003.
Rationale for the recommendation
The certification of a newly manufactured aircraft is a complex endeavour, which includes the certification of many types of materials. The Board expected that, as a result of its previous recommendations, regulatory authorities would not only develop improved testing but also simplify the interpretation of the regulations and guidance material so as to prevent the approval of flammable materials. Without such a concerted and focused effort, manufacturers and those responsible for the certification of aircraft materials will continue to operate in an environment where it is possible to misinterpret the regulatory requirements. In such circumstances, materials that exhibit inappropriate flammability characteristics can continue to be approved for use in aircraft. Therefore, the Board recommended that:
Regulatory authorities take action to ensure the accurate and consistent interpretation of the regulations governing material flammability requirements for aircraft materials so as to prevent the use of any material with inappropriate flammability characteristics.
Transportation Safety Recommendation A03-03
Previous responses and assessments
October 2003: Response to A03-03
In response to Recommendation A03-03, on 29 October 2003, Transport Canada (TC) provided the following comments:
- TC agrees with TSB's objective to achieve consistent and accurate application of flammability standards.
- TC states that it will continue to monitor this issue and raise awareness including, as necessary, the development of advisory material.
- TC states that the International Aircraft Materials Fire Test Working Group is focusing on this issue.
October 2003: Board Assessment of the Response to A03-03
TC's response states that it intends to monitor the issue and pursue efforts to improve the interpretation and application of material flammability requirements. Additionally, it will, as appropriate, develop advisory material for regional personnel and delegates. Consequently, the response is assessed as Satisfactory Intent.
December 2005: Response to A03-03
In its update of active recommendations dated 14 December 2005, TC indicated that an update to Recommendation A03-03 was not available due to scheduling conflicts for some Swissair Recommendation team members. Furthermore, TC indicated that an update will follow as soon as team members can meet and draft updates.
June 2006: Board Reassessment of the Response to A03-03
In its initial response received 13 June 2003, TC outlined several initiatives to raise awareness regarding this deficiency including using advisory material directed at TC regional personnel and delegates. TC's letter to the TSB dated 14 December 2005 did not include an activity update with respect to Recommendation A03-03.
It is the Board's understanding that TC remains committed to providing an update to its original action plan, which, if fully implemented, will substantially reduce or eliminate the deficiencies as described in Recommendation A03-03.
Therefore, the assessment remains at Satisfactory Intent.
Latest response and assessment
February 2007: Response to A03-03
TC's response reviewed previously known Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) activities to upgrade flammability standards for materials used in hidden areas of large transport aircraft and to develop advance fire-resistant materials for use in the aviation industry. TC also states that it has issued a policy letter permitting the "Use of the FAA Materials Fire Test Handbook" (Policy Letter 525-002) dated 31 July 2003 as a means of achieving consistent and accurate application of the flammability test standards by TC regional personnel and its delegates.
July 2007: Board Reassessment of the Response to A03-03
TC's previously stated initiatives, its ongoing efforts to raise awareness regarding material flammability, and the publication of the policy letter entitled Use of the FAA Aircraft Materials Fire Test Handbook will provide a more accurate and consistent interpretation of the applicable flammability regulations. The actions taken will substantially reduce the risks associated with the deficiency identified in Recommendation A03-03.
Therefore, the reassessment is Fully Satisfactory.
File status
The TSB will monitor TC’s progress on its planned actions.
This deficiency file is Closed .