The arm on that side looks like it s bent out.
Attic door stuck open.
Once the door is open try to actuate the door latch with the handle.
Shut the attic door once you and your partner are in the attic.
In order to get the door to close we have to bend the arm back in as much as we can and hook the spring back over the bracket at the top.
If the door does not allow the lock to be jimmied open it may be necessary to remove the door from its hinges.
Otherwise try prising the hatch open with say a large flat bladed screwdriver in the gap if it damages the wood slightly you won t see it.
The handle or knob must be jiggled to unstick the latch.
If neith of those work can you get the nozzle from a wd40 can through to the latch.
Inspect the brackets at the door hinge where the springs attach to the attic door frame.
But if no joy i d just cut or break through and replace the lot.
The knob will not turn to retract the stuck door latch.
If the hindges are on the outside try taking them off then yank the door open or get a long knife anf try pushing it into the cracks between the door and frame and maybe it will cut through the.
Take the door off the hinges.
If they are loose tighten them up as much as possible using either a wrench or screwdriver depending on your attic ladder model s attachment type.
The door latch is not extended before rotating the knob.
Insert a long sturdy item with a flat tip preferably a flat head screwdriver if available between the top rung of the door s top hinge and the head of the bolt securing the door to the hinge.