NTSB · Safety Recommendation
Safety Recommendation A-71-018
Recommendation
THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION INSTITUTE APPROPRIATE REGULATORY ACTION TO PROHIBIT THE SERVICING OF OXYGEN SYSTEMS WHILE PASSENGERS ARE ON BOARD.
Safety Issue and Context
THE NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD IS CURRENTLY INVESTIGATING A GROUND-FIRE INCIDENT INVOLVING A UNITED AIR LINES 737. THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED DURING OXYGEN REPLENISHMENT WHILE THE AIRCRAFT WAS PARKED ON THE LOADING RAMP AT NATIONAL AIRPORT ON DECEMBER 31, 1970.
Response History
March 7, 1978 · NTSB Correspondence · FAA
This is to advise that the national transportation safety board by formal board action on february 16, 1978, has closed out the following safety recommendations: a-71-018, date 4-12-71, and criterion closed--unacceptable action.
February 21, 1978 · Recipient Response · FAA
This it to advise that we have completed our actions on the following ntsb safety recommendation: a-72-18. Notice 74-24 was issued in connection with this recommendation. As a result of the comments received, notice 74-21a was issued. Notice the 74-21a was withdrawn october 17, 1977, based on the faa's evaluation of the comments received and the actual service history in this regard. The rationale for this decision is detailed in the enclosed copy of the october 17, 1977, federal register article.
July 27, 1977 · Recipient Response · FAA
We have completed the review of public comments on the proposal and are inthe process of preparing the final action. We expect to complete the action in september 1977.
June 28, 1977 · NTSB Correspondence · FAA
We are aware that, toward implementation of the above recommendation, the faa, on june 10, 1974, issued nprm 74-21. This was subsequently withdrawn and on november 26, 1976, the FAA issued a supplemental nprm 74-21a. The Safety Board would appreciate being informed whether the FAA has assessed the need for regulatory action; the information is needed to help us evaluate the status of the recommendation.
September 4, 1974 · NTSB Correspondence · FAA
Notation 593A: The National Transportation Safety Board agrees with proposed rulemaking 74-21, 14 CFR Part 91, Replenishing and Maintenance of Oxygen Systems, and considers it responsive to the Board’s Safety Recommendation A-71-18 issued on April 12, 1971. We trust that this rulemaking will be adopted expeditiously.
April 15, 1971 · Recipient Response · FAA
THE FAA STATES THEY HAVE A STUDY IN PROGRESS THAT INCLUDES NOT ONLY OXYGEN SERVICING BUT ALL THE OTHER SERVICING FUNCTIONS THAT MAY HAVE AN ADVERSE EFFECT ON SAFETY. THE NEED FOR REGULATORY ACTION MAY RESULT IN THE ISSUANCE OF A NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE MAKING.11/1/72 - NPRM SUBMITTED TO FAA FIELD OFFICES. PUBLIC ISSUANCE SHOULD BE ON DECEMBER 1, 1972, AND COMMENTS FROM PUBLIC BY MARCH 1, 1973. 9/7/73 NTSB EVALUATION.
THE FAA'S RESPONSE TO THE POSSIBLE DANGER THAT COULD BE ENCOUNTERED WITH OXYGEN SERVICING WAS TO IMMEDIATELY ISSUE AN ALERT, OR GENOT, TO ALL REGIONS, AND TO START A STUDY ON THE PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED WITH ALL SERVICING FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING FUEL.NPRM 191R HAD A FAVORABLE RESPONSE FROM FAA REGIONAL OFFICES. HOWEVER, AS OF THIS DATE THE NPRM HAS NOT BEEN ISSUED. FROM FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL. 42, NO. 200, OCT. 17, 1977, PAGE 55480 DOCKET NO. 13824, REF. NPRM 74-21 AND SUPPLEMENTAL NOTICE NO. 74-21A.