A dual action structural latch (10) is provided for securing hinged access doors to a frame. The latch (10) comprises a latching member (58) secured to the frame and defining a first aperture (60). A hook member (24) engages the latching member (58) to resist a tensile force when the latch (10) is in a closed position, and disengages the latching member (58) when the latch (10) is in the open position. A shear pin (36) extends so as to engage within the first aperture (60) to resist a shear force when the latch (10) is in the closed position and to disengage the first aperture (60) when the latch (10) is in the open position. A handle (20), when moved from the closed position to the open position, sequentially withdraws the shear pin (36) from the first aperture (60) and disengages the hook member (24) from the latching member (58), and when moved from the open position to the closed position, sequentially engages the hook member (24) with the latching member (58) and inserts the shear pin (36) in the first aperture (60).