scope:

Description of Driving Event:

A thermal protection system (TPS) technician had an access platform retracted and secured to gain access to the top side of OV-102 left wing. Upon completion of his work, he attempted to extend the platform back to its normal (closed) position. When the platform was approx. Six to eight inches from being in place, the rivets on the hinge failed causing the platform to fall on the orbiter. All hinge platform mounts need to be secured by welds or bolts and lock washers. The present practice of securing the hinge mounts with pop rivets is not adequate to support these platforms.