In article , "Mike Noel"
writes:

After reading this thread I decided to put a multi-tool into my headphone
bag just in case MY Archer decides not to let me out. This also got me
thinking about something an instructor once said to me while we were
pre-flighting a 172. After I locked the baggage door per the checklist he
admitted he didn't totally agree with it. He preferred to have an extra out
if both main doors were jammed by a crash. At the time I thought Cessna was
trying to prevent some little kid from crawling into the baggage compartment
and making a tragic exit.

John mentioned using a screwdriver to open the baggage door from inside. Is
this easier if the baggage door is latched but not locked? Does locking
actually make the baggage door more secure in flight?

Follow up on my experience of being locked in my Archer. Well, I went to the
airport today with tools in hand to see what's up. I can't recreate the
problem! I took off the inside panel of the door and looked at how the lock
works. I can't get it to lock from the unlock position after trying various
to remove the key half way between lock and unlock etc. I just don't see how
it happened but it did and also to 4 others re the responses to this thread.
The locking bar just won't do its thing in the unlock position.
So here is what I've done to see that I have a fix if it ever happens again.
The lock bar is held to the lock cylinder by a screw. When the lock cylinder
is in the lock position, the lock bar is such as to keep the latch from going
into the open position. So, if you remove the lock bar, you can open the door
when the lock cylinder is in the lock position. I have marked (actually cut a
small slit) in the inside panel at the spot over the screw that holds lock
bar. If the imposible happens again, I can insert a Philips screwdriver into
the slit and remove the lock bar from the lock cylinder. Vowalla, I'm delocked
(that is, I'm out and have no lock/unlock capability) till I take off the
inside panel and reattach the lock bar. Caution, with the lock bar off, the
lock cylinder can come out the outside.
In addition, I looked at the baggage door to see if it would make a good
emergency exit. Same lock/unlock there with a lock bar attached to the lock
cylinder. However, after removing the screw that holds the lock bar(after
removing the inspection cover) you still have to "push" the button to open the
door. This isn't easy since you are on the wrond gide of the button. With a
screw driver you can wedge under the button and pull it toward you to unlatch
the door but it ain't easy. If you want to get out this way, better check
before needing the info.

Chuck