Planes Pulled From Service To Check Records
A closer look into maintenance
records at Australian flag carrier Qantas has resulted in grounded
planes, frustrated passengers... and some questions from
investigators.
As ANN reported, the airline has been under
close scrutiny -- and an even more watchful eye from the general
public -- after a Qantas 747-200 suffered an explosive
decompression incident July 25. Investigators believe an oxygen
canister ruptured on the flight from Hong Kong to Melbourne,
forcing an emergency diversion to Manila.
None of the 346 passengers and 19 crewmembers onboard were
injured... but the blast blew off the 747's right leading edge
wing-to-body fairing, and caused a five-foot hole in the cargo area
fuselage wall behind it.
Earlier this month, Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority
announced it would conduct a thorough review of the airline's
maintenance practices. The agency termed the review a preventative
measure... but already, some notable discrepancies have been
revealed.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports Qantas pulled six 737-400
Classic models from its fleet Monday, to check compliance records
related to a 2003 CASA Airworthiness Directive, calling for
inspections of the aircrafts' forward pressure bulkheads for signs
of fatigue.
Airline officials stressed the checks posed no safety
concerns... but CASA maintains such checks are closely tied to
safety. "Any problem with record-keeping and documentation in
aircraft maintenance is a concern because that's one of the things
that underpins the safety of the plane," CASA spokesman Peter
Gibson told The Associated Press. "Is it just a maintenance
documentation problem or was there a failure to do any maintenance
work?"
There are other concerns about Qantas planes, as well. On
Tuesday, a Qantas 747-300 experienced an uncommanded shutdown of
one of its engines while on approach to Auckland; the plane's
flight crew was able to restore power, and the plane landed without
further incident. The airline grounded another 747 on the same day,
after discovering the aircraft's horizontal stabilizer jackscrew
needed immediate maintenance related to a revised Boeing
maintenance schedule that had not been complied with.
In the glare of the public spotlight, even the more trivial
maintenance concerns pose questions. The SMH notes a Qantas 767 was
pulled from service Tuesday, after pilots found a problem with the
flap position indicator.
Whether that's a sign of questionable maintenance practices at
Qantas -- which boasts one of the most enviable safety records
among airlines worldwide -- or simply a case of unfortunate
timing, remains to be determined.