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.

FMI: www.qantas.com, www.casa.gov.au