A thrust reverser includes reverser doors pivotally mounted in a nacelle. Each door includes a latch pin mounted at a distal end thereof. A complementary latch hook is pivotally mounted in the nacelle for engagement with the pin to latch closed the reverser door. A rotary retainer adjoins the hook for blocking rotation of the hook to latch closed the door, and selectively unblock rotation of the hook to permit the pin to disengage the hook.