NTSB · Safety Recommendation
Safety Recommendation A-72-142
Recommendation
TO THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION: THE FAA REVIEW THE SLIDE PACK MOUNTING DESIGN, GAS GENERATOR RETENTION DESIGN, AND THE PROTECTION OF THE WHEEL WELL MOUNTED GAS GENERATOR INSTALLATION. THIS REVIEW SHOULD BE MADE TO DETERMINE WHAT ACTIONS CAN BE TAKEN TO IMPROVE THESE COMPONENTS AND MAKE THEM MORE RELIABLE.
Safety Issue and Context
A PAN AMERICAN BOEING 747 STRUCK THE APPROACH LIGHT STRUCTURE (ALS) FOR RUNWAY 19L WHILE TAKING OFF FROM RUNWAY 01R AT THE SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. THE CREW CONTINUED THE TAKEOFF, AND AFTER AN INFLIGHT INSPECTION FOR DAMAGE, DUMPED FUEL AND RETURNED FOR A LANDING AT SAN FRANCISCO. TWO PASSENGERS WERE INJURED DURING THE IMPACT WITH THE ALS AND EIGHT OTHERS SUSTAINED SERIOUS BACK INJURIES DURING THE EVACUATION AFTER THE LANDING.
Response History
October 6, 1972 · Recipient Response · FAA
THEY ARE IN THE PROCESS OF REVIEWING THE SLIDE PACK MOUNTING DESIGN,GAS GENERATOR RETENTION DESIGN AND PROTECTION OF THE WHEEL WELL MOUNTED GAS GENERATOR INSTALLATION. THEY ARE ALSO ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN A PROGRAM WITH THE MANUFACTURER TO MAKE APPROPRIATE INSPECTIONS COUPLED WITH THE ISSUANCE OF SERVICE BULLETINS AS WELL AS ANY OPERATING PROCEDURES THAT MAY BE NECESSARY.