B757-200
Flight Attendant Current
Human-Machine Interface; Confusion; Communication Breakdown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Other / Unknown
General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Human Factors
Upon arrival my door; 4L; would not disarm. The lever was stuck. I turned to my flying partner who had been able to disarm his door appropriately. As I called the Captain and the Purser he tried to disarm my door but was also unable to do so. The Captain instructed me to guard the door and if anyone tried to enter to hold the lever down. I did as directed. Meanwhile the passengers were deplaning as usual. The Catering crew arrived at Door 4R and knocked on the window per procedure to verify they could open the door. I signaled 'NO'. I also tried to call the Captain to ask for his instruction as to what to do with that door as the caterers were there to open the door only to find out the pilots had already left. I was very upset by this as there was trouble in the Cabin and my understanding is the Captain cannot leave until it is safe to do so. I don't think it was safe to leave the plane with any door still armed. I made a judgment call to wait for help. The caterers understood my signal and responded by not opening the door. The Mechanic came on board and opened Door 4R for the caterers. The Mechanic then attempted to disarm my door but was unable to do so. He asked me stay and watch the door until he came back because he needed to get more mechanics involved. My Purser and I stayed by the door until the Mechanic returned and left after asking the Mechanic if I could go.
When unable to disarm her assigned passenger exit slide at Door 4L on the B757-200; a Flight Attendant guarded it against its inappropriate operation until Maintenance arrived to relieve her. The reporter expressed dismay that after informing the Captain of the problem he asked her to guard the door and then; apparently; left the aircraft without insuring the problem was resolved.