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Floor sealing design
Date issue released
Safety Issue Description

The location of the decompression panel and absence of cabin floor sealing above the main equipment centre increased the risk of liquid ingress into the aircraft’s electrical systems.

Issue number
AO-2008-003-SI-02
Transport Function
Aviation: Other
Issue Owner
Boeing Co
Mode of Transport
Aviation
Issue Status Justification

The ATSB is satisfied that, when completed, the actions being undertaken will adequately address the safety issue.

Proactive action
Action number
AO-2008-003-NSA-029
Organisation
Boeing Co
Action date
Action Status
Closed
Action description

In response to this occurrence, the aircraft manufacturer:

  • issued a multi-operator message containing a recommendation that operators review decompression panels that have been relocated after delivery to verify that they do not become a direct water path to the main equipment centre dripshield
  • is investigating a number of methods to improve floor sealing in 747-400 aircraft.
ATSB Response

The ATSB is satisfied that, when completed, the actions taken or that are being undertaken by the aircraft manufacturer will adequately address the safety issue.

Proactive action
Action number
AO-2008-003-NSA-030
Organisation
Qantas Airways
Action date
Action Status
Closed
Action description

The aircraft operator has advised that, in response to this occurrence, it has:

  • installed a water barrier gutter at the rear of the forward galley bulkhead on all of its 747-400 fleet
  • installed an additional bead of sealant around the first-class seat pods to protect the decompression panel on all of its 747-400 fleet.
ATSB Response

The ATSB is satisfied that the actions taken by the aircraft operator adequately address the safety issue.