NTSB · Safety Recommendation
Safety Recommendation A-12-065
Recommendation
TO THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION: Make the information about the presence and type of safety devices that contain explosive components on aircraft that was collected in response to Safety Recommendation A-12-64 readily available to first responders and accident investigators by displaying it on the Federal Aviation Administration’s online aircraft registry.
Safety Issue and Context
Many airplanes are equipped with ejection seats, ballistic recovery systems (BRS), and inflatable restraints that contain explosive components to activate the safety devices, and the number is increasing as newly certificated aircraft with BRS and after-market inflatable restraints become more prevalent. The five accidents discussed below are examples of accidents that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has investigated in which the presence of these devices on the accident aircraft was not initially known to those on scene.
Although none of these accidents resulted in injuries or fatalities to first responders or accident investigators due to postaccident activation of the explosive components in these safety devices, these explosive components, if they remain charged and are unknown to first responders and investigators, pose a high level of risk to those working in and around the aircraft wreckage.
Response History
July 11, 2014 · NTSB Correspondence · FAA
In our March 13, 2013, letter, we noted that, although you agree with the intent of these recommendations, you did not agree with collecting this information during the triennial re registration or using FAA Form 8050-1A to do so. Regarding the alternatives you said were being considered, we commented that we did not consider your suggested action (enhancing the standards for the size, number, and location of warnings and placards on an aircraft containing a safety device with an explosive component) to constitute an acceptable response to these recommendations.
We said that the potential was too great for such warnings and placards to be damaged or destroyed in a crash or a post-crash fire, rendering them useless. We also emphasized that information about explosive components should be readily available to first responders and accident investigators before they arrive at an accident site.
Despite our concerns, after considering various alternatives, you continue to believe that the first responder training and education and the placarding currently required are sufficient. None of these actions were taken after these recommendations were issued, and none will provide any information to first responders or accident investigators about explosive components on a crashed airplane before they arrive on scene to help them prepare adequately. We do not agree that you have effectively addressed these recommendations, although you have made it clear in your letter that you plan no further action.
Consequently, Safety Recommendations A 12-64, -65, and -66 are classified CLOSED—UNACCEPTABLE ACTION.
May 9, 2014 · Recipient Response · FAA
-From Michael P. Huerta, Administrator: As stated in our previous letter. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Form 8050-1 A, Aircraft Re-Registration Application. would require rulemaking to effectively capture which aircraft contain a ballistic safety device. Rulemaking, however, is not supported since there is no history of injury or death related to these devices. After considering various alternatives, as discussed in our previous letter, the FAA believes that first responder training. education, and the placarding currently required is sufficient. Aircraft manufacturers are responsible for providing this training.
Cirrus Aircraft, for example, has conducted training for first responders and the public and published various media about their ballistic safety devices.
Additionally, the FAA Safety Team has educated first responders and the public about such devices, and we provide publicly available information on the proper interaction with ballistic safety devices at the following Web site: http://www.faa.gov/airports/airport safety/aircraft_rescue_fire_fighting/
The installation of a ballistic safety device is rare. For accident airplanes equipped with such a device. to date, no device has deployed due to postaccident activation. This lack of activation supports the current FAA/ industry approach to train and educate first responders. The FAA is committed to providing a safe working environment for first responders, and will continue to monitor the incorporation of ballistic safety devices into the general aviation fleet.
March 13, 2013 · NTSB Correspondence · FAA
The FAA needs to complete action in response to Safety Recommendation A-12-64 before it can fully respond to this recommendation. We are encouraged that the FAA plans to make the information available if it finds a viable means of collecting the information. In the meantime, Safety Recommendation A 12-65 is classified OPEN—ACCEPTABLE RESPONSE.
February 6, 2013 · Recipient Response · FAA
-From Michael P. Huerta, Administrator: The FAA will consider publishing information regarding safety devices with explosive components via the FAA aircraft registry Web site. This may require some IT programming resources and work process modifications. However, should the FAA find a viable means of collecting this information, this recommendation would be feasible in the near term.
I will keep the Board informed of the FAA's progress on this safety recommendation and provide an updated response by January 30, 2014.