Originally Posted by
FLYMSY
Plane wouldn't have flown if that were the case.
Are you certain?
As I read it, they can fly home (well, 2 days) if the primary lock fails but the secondary works as long as they follow some procedure to secure the cabin in this event.
Per
http://fsims.faa.gov/PICDetail.aspx?docId=PL-112
(M)(O) May be inoperative provided:
a) Primary locking system is deactivated,
b) Secondary locking system operates normally and is used to lock the door,
c) Alternate procedures are established and used for locking and unlocking the door using the secondary locking system, and
d) Repairs are made within two flight days
I could certainly see blocking access to be part of such procedures to insure pax are not standing outside as it is opened (I freely admit I do not know how the entire dance works, so am just guessing).