ATSB Issues Safety Advisories for Cessna 206 Cargo Doors

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has issued two new safety advisories for Cessna 206 operators and owners, focusing on risks linked to the aircraft’s rear clam-shell style double cargo doors.

The issue arises when the aircraft’s flaps are extended 10 degrees or more, which prevents the overlapping cargo door from opening fully. In emergencies, this requires a two-step process for evacuation, significantly increasing escape times. The ATSB warns that this design limitation could reduce survivability in situations such as post-impact fires or water ditchings.

To mitigate risks, the agency is recommending comprehensive pre-flight safety briefings and demonstrations to ensure passengers understand how to operate the doors. It also advises operators to either install an approved exit modification or remove the middle row seat to allow faster access to alternate exits.

The advisories were issued following a series of investigations, including a September 2024 crash landing in Moora, Western Australia, where five people were on board. With the flaps stuck down, passengers—including a child and an elderly traveler—had to climb over seats to reach the forward left cabin door. No injuries occurred in that case, but the bureau stresses that in more severe accidents, the design flaw could prove fatal.

“Fortunately, no one was hurt in this incident,” said ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell, “but similar scenarios have led to fatalities in the past due to delays in evacuation.”

The ATSB also noted that its recommendation builds on a 2018 initiative by Transport Canada, which required Cessna 206 operators to either remove the middle seat or install a supplemental type certificate (STC) modification for the rear door.

The advisories underscore the importance of modifying evacuation procedures and cabin layouts in the Cessna 206 to reduce evacuation time and improve post-crash survivability.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ATSB