Airframe event involving a Boeing 767-338ER, VH-OGD, Sydney Aerodrome, New South Wales, on 11 January 1998

The Boeing 767 had just departed from Sydney when a loud vibration was heard adjacent to the left overwing emergency exits. The aircraft returned to Sydney where the Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (RFFS) were placed on standby for the landing. The aircraft subsequently landed safely and taxied to the gate without incident.

The investigation determined that the hinge pin of the left rear overwing emergency exit door step piano hinge had migrated rearward about 15 cm and had been flapping against the fuselage skin in the airstream. The aircraft had undergone a 'C' maintenance inspection, which includes an inspection of the hinge, about two months prior to the incident.

The reason for the pin migration was not determined.