Aircraft
Certification Service Washington, DC U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration
NM-12-11
January 10, 2012
This is information only. Recommendations
aren’t mandatory.
Introduction
This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin advises registered
owners and operators of The Boeing Company Model 737 airplanes equipped
with B/E Aerospace G64B 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. Unrestrained items in this location are particularly
hazardous because an aft facing flight attendant 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 an adhesive
fastener becomes uncertain as the airplane ages.
At this time, the airworthiness concern is not an unsafe condition that
would warrant Airworthiness Directive (AD) action under Title 14 of the
Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Part 39.
Recommendations
The FAA recommends that all owners and operators of the airplanes
listed above comply with the actions outlined in B/E Aerospace Service
Bulletin 25-30-0426, Revision B, dated October 3, 2011.
For Further Information Contact
Ana Martinez Hueto, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch,
ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue
SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: (425) 917-6592; fax: (425) 917-6590;
e-mail: ana.m.hueto@faa.gov.