a first stop arm comprising a first end and a second end, the second end having associated therewith a protruding member and a catch, the protruding member comprising a stop;

a second stop arm comprising a first end and a second end, the second end having associated therewith a connecting member, the connecting member comprising a gap, an end stop surface, and a projection;

a gas strut having a first end and a second end, the second end coupled to the escape hatch; and

a bracket pivotably coupled to the escape hatch, the first end of the second stop arm and the first end of the gas strut each being attached to the bracket;

wherein:

the first end of the first stop arm is coupled to a supporting structure of the aircraft and the second end of the first stop arm is rotatably coupled to the second stop arm;

the first stop arm and the second stop arm are rotatably locked relative to each other to maintain the escape hatch in an open position when the stop abuts the end stop surface and the projection interfaces with the catch; and

the gas strut is configured to dampen a load applicable to push the escape hatch open past the open position.