Safety issue

Safety issue description

Maintenance processes did not identify or correct the inoperability of the forward drain line heater.
Issue number AO-2008-003-SI-04
Issue owner Boeing Co
Transport function Aircraft Maintenance
Date issue released 13/12/2010
Issue status justification

The ATSB is satisfied that, when completed, the actions being undertaken will adequately address the safety issue.

Safety action

Action type Proactive action
Action number AO-2008-003-NSA-032
Organisation Boeing Co
Action date 13/12/2010
Action description The aircraft manufacturer initiated a review of continuing maintenance of 747-400 drain system and ribbon heaters.
ATSB response The ATSB is satisfied that the action taken by the aircraft manufacturer adequately addresses the safety issue.
Action status Closed

Safety action

Action type Proactive action
Action number AO-2008-003-NSA-033
Organisation Qantas Airways
Action date 13/12/2010
Action description

The aircraft operator:

  • conducted a fleet inspection of 747-400 drain mast heaters, drain line heaters and drain mast hoses, and of 30 aircraft inspected, identified 11 failed drain ribbon heaters and four split drain hoses
  • performed fleet-wide drain mast heater inspections on 747-300 aircraft, and identified one failed drain ribbon heater of four aircraft inspected
  • increased the frequency of forward drain mast ribbon heater checks to every A-check. Results of the inspections will be analysed and an appropriate check interval will be established into the system of maintenance in accordance with the findings.
ATSB response

The ATSB is satisfied that the actions taken by the aircraft operator adequately address the safety issue.
Action status Closed