B747-400
Flight Attendant Current
Human-Machine Interface
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Human Factors; Procedure
I had armed Door 5L and cross checked 5R when the 'arm doors' announcement was made by the Purser. After the cocktail service another Flight Attendant informed me that door 5L was not armed. My reaction was not an alarmed one as I knew I had armed the door but I proceeded to 5L where some customers were congregating. One of them sitting in my jumpseat and had a carry on bag on top of the door. I advised them not to sit in our jumpseats at either door. I then checked and determined the door wouldn't remain armed as the handle was like a spring that kept going back to the disarm mode. Maintenance was advised and a Mechanic came on board after landing. Another Flight Attendant had also witnessed the conditions and confirmed my observations to the Mechanic that the handle was like a 'spring.'
While en route the Flight Attendant/Reporter who had armed door 5L prior to departure on a B747-400 was advised it was no longer armed. When the reporter investigated she discovered the arming door would not remain in the armed position but; instead; would spring out of it when arming was attempted. Maintenance was advised and met the aircraft upon arrival.