84 Killed By Poisonous Gas In Past 40 Years

The NTSB wants the FAA to find ways pilots can avoid breathing deadly carbon monoxide, saying 84 people have died as a direct result of gas leaks into the cockpit.

The NTSB last week recommended the FAA:

• Evaluate the inspection methods that could be used to determine the integrity of the exhaust systems and require additional procedures that are effective; establish a recommended replacement time interval for exhaust systems in general aviation aircraft with reciprocating engines and cabins, taking into consideration the factors that cause or contribute to the deterioration or erosion of exhaust system. After the establishment of this recommended replacement time interval, issue a notice to all 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 owners and operators advising them of these recommended replacement time intervals and require adherence to the replacement time intervals for 14 CFR Part 135 owners and operators. (A-04-25)
• Evaluate carbon monoxide detector technology for use in general aviation aircraft. (A-04-26)
• Develop specific standards to ensure any detection device used in general aviation aircraft quickly and distinctly alerts the user to the presence of carbon monoxide (CO) in the cockpit before the CO reaches a level that would impair a pilot’s ability to safely operate an aircraft. (A-04-27)
• Require the installation of carbon monoxide (CO) detectors meeting the standards developed as a result of Safety Recommendation A-04-27 in all single-engine reciprocating-powered airplanes with forward-mounted engines and enclosed cockpits that are already equipped with any airplane system needed for the operation of such a CO detector. (A-04-28)

FMI: http://ntsb.gov/recs/letters/2004/a04%5F25%5F28.pdf