A320
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness; Time Pressure
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General Flight Cancelled / Delayed
Company Policy; Human Factors; Aircraft
This incident started about 5-10 minutes after the last passenger deplaned. Doors 1L and 2L were both open; ostensibly for deplaning and boarding. There were many cleaners on aircraft from the front to the back. The situation was busy at best; frantic at worst. I was standing on the front air stairs when a Flight Attendant asked me if I could supervise her opening door 2R. The cleaners were beating on the door to have it opened so that the trash could be emptied. I agreed to supervise as no other crew members were available. I followed her to the back of the airplane where various ramp personnel were in aft galley conducting their work. She proceeded to arm the door as it had been disarmed from deplaning. It was at this point that I became confused. Before I could intervene; she pulled up on the handle; the door opened and the slide blew. She looked back at me in shock and said; 'Oh my god; I am so fired!' She was visibly shaken and in shock as was I.I should have done a better job confirming what was actually going on and trying to slow the process down. This included finding another flight attendant; pulling out manuals or rechecking door disarm indications in the cockpit. The overall issue for me was being distracted; rushed and uncertain of my supervision objective. I also believe she was trying to do the right thing; especially as a new employee. She was rushed and getting pressure from the cleaners. In retrospect; I think she was operating on muscle memory. Since she had already disarmed the door; the next event was to arm it. Additionally; she has a great attitude and was just trying to help others do their job. Procedurally; this might be avoided if aircraft crew deplanes immediately and gets out of the way of outstation cleaners. Or a procedure needs to be implemented as it relates to who is authorized to open and close doors during cleaning.
A320 Captain reports being asked by a new Flight Attendant to monitor her actions while she disarms and opens an aft galley door. The door is already disarmed but is rearmed and opened before the reporter can react; blowing the slide.