Agencies Fault Seat-belt Buckles and Attachments

Thousands of seat-belt buckles and attachments installed in airliners and corporate jets are the subject of two separate recommendations. The FAA published a special airworthiness information bulletin alleging that D-ring-type fittings can inadvertently release the seat belts attached to them. The agency recommends that all D-ring seat belt attachment fittings be replaced with an improved design fitting. Meanwhile, the NTSB is calling for an AD requiring that all airplanes equipped with unguarded rotary seat belt buckles be replaced with guarded buckles that cannot be inadvertently unlatched. The Safety Board’s recommendation is based on its investigation into several inadvertent openings.