SAFO 12006: Possible Latch Failure on B/E Aerospace 64B Galleys of Boeing 737 Airplanes

Distributed by: AFS-200 OPR: AFS-300

SAFOSafety Alert for Operators

U.S. Department SAFO 12006

of Transportation DATE: 10/15/12

Federal Aviation

Administration Flight Standards Service

Washington, DC http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/safo A SAFO contains important safety information and may include recommended action. SAFO content should be especially valuable to air carriers in meeting their statutory duty to provide service with the highest possible degree of safety in the public interest. Besides the specific action recommended in a SAFO, an alternative action may be as effective in addressing the safety issue named in the SAFO.

Subject: Possible Latch Failure on B/E Aerospace 64B Galleys of Boeing 737 Airplanes

Purpose: This SAFO advises registered owners and operators of the Boeing Company Model 737 airplanes equipped with B/E Aerospace 64B galleys of an airworthiness concern regarding possible latch failure on galley cabinets with ¼ turn latches installed with adhesive only fasteners.

Background: During an accident investigation involving an airplane that departed the runway during takeoff, one of the aft galley drawers previously latched in its compartment for takeoff was found on the galley floor. Further examination revealed that the compartment latch plate had been affixed to the compartment by an adhesive fastener, with no mechanical connectors.

Discussion: Unrestrained items in this location are particularly hazardous because an aft facing flight attendant (F/A) jumpseat is located directly forward of the galley. Adhesive only fasteners, such as the fastener used in this compartment, are susceptible to degradation over time because of exposure to temperature changes, sunlight, chemicals, and other factors. Consequently, the reliability of adhesive fasteners become uncertain as the airplane ages. Forty-eight other 737 airplanes have been identified as having the same galley latches as the one discussed above.

On 5/18/11 a quantitative risk analysis of the potential safety issue was presented to the Seattle Aircraft Certification Office Corrective Action Review Board (CARB). The CARB concluded that the box retained by the subject latch could easily be moved to allow a safe evacuation. The CARB made the determination that a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) and a Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO) are appropriate responses and should be issued to recommend that a repair to replace the attachment method of the latch be accomplished per manufacturer’s instructions in BE Aerospace Service Bulletin 25-30-0426 Revision B, dated Oct 3, 2011.

Recommended Action: The FAA recommends that all owners and operators of the Boeing 737-300 and, 737-500 Series comply with the actions outlined in B/E Aerospace Service Bulletin 25-30-0426, Revision B, dated Oct 3, 2011.

Contact: Questions or comments regarding this SAFO should be directed to the Aircraft Maintenance Division, AFS-300, at (202) 267-1675.