Lovefly® Blog - Woman opens emergency exit as she is too hot!

Greetings.  We hope you are all keeping well during this pandemic...

Did you see this in the news?  A woman onboard the Ukraine flight PS6212 became too hot.  So, she decided to open the emergency door and go and sit on the wing!

This is the article in The Independent and also, here is the actual video clip. Video Clip

Our view

First of all...Most people with a fear of flying would have seen this and been very worried...what if she did that in the air?  

You cannot open the door once the cabin has been pressurized...no matter how hot, or even strong you are.  I could bore you with descriptions of how much pressure is actually on that door and that it is a plug type door, but I won't. 

On the ground, whilst boarding or fueling, the doors are manned by cabin crew.  Cabin crew are very busy at this time too however, we predict the following will happen:

• A full investigation as to how this happened.
• A severe discipline or even dismissal of the cabin crew member at that door and the flight supervisor
• A severe reprimand for the Captain of the flight.

There will, of course, be reasons why the passenger was able to do this.  However, it is a big problem for this airline.  They will need to examine their procedures going forward to satisfy the authorities.

Fortunately, no-one was in danger in the cabin from her actions. The wing walking women was the only one in danger in case she fell from that height!

One of the most reassuring things we love about commercial aviation is the rigour of a strong safety culture. This incident will be investigated, learned from and actions will be taken to prevent it happening again.  The airline will need to demonstrate a swift and strong response as their operating licence will be in question otherwise - this is how seriously this will be taken.

Take care, 

Lovefly® Team

P.S. New podcast episode out 7th September...Human Factors and fear of flying with Human Factors Specialist and Safety Trainer, Virgin Atlantic Airways.  Search 'Lovefly' on Spotify, Podbean or click on the link at top of website - www.lovefly.co.uk