Lost access door, Boeing 747-406ERF, PH-CKC, Amsterdam FIR
The Boeing 747 departed around 22.20 hours for a cargo flight from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Kenya. During the climb to cruising altitude – at around 12,000 feet - the flight crew heard a thump. Thereafter they noticed a low humming sound in the cockpit and the cabin. According to the flight crew, all Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System (EICAS) indications were normal. After consultation with the airline, the flight crew decided to continue the flight. Upon arrival in Kenya, during a walk around check, it was found that an air conditioning access door on the underside of the aircraft’s fuselage had broken off. Part of the door was still attached to the aircraft by means of the door hinges; the other part of the door was lost. The departing door parts caused minor damage to the aircraft.
The air conditioning access door partially broke off during flight, most probably because it was not closed properly after maintenance. Interruption and distraction from the normal work routine of closing the door likely contributed to this occurrence.
The full analysis of this serious incident can be found in the quarterly aviation report over the 4th quarter of 2021.
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