The pilot of the Cessna 441 reported that while checking the
aircraft's flight controls during a pre-flight inspection, a
rubbing sound was evident in the vicinity of the inboard section of
the left aileron. The ailerons were capable of full deflection in
the correct sense with no noticeable restriction of movement. After
an inspection by the operator's chief pilot and the check and
training pilot, the aircraft was deemed to be serviceable. A
precautionary note was made in the aircraft's Maintenance Release
for the aileron system to be inspected by the operator's
maintenance organisation. The pilot then continued operating the
aircraft. On return to the operator's main base at Jandakot, an
inspection by maintenance personnel revealed that the aileron
control cable was incorrectly rigged and fouling the airframe
structure.
The BASI investigation revealed the following deficiencies:
- a maintenance oversight and inadequate procedures for the
release of an aircraft after undergoing maintenance to the flight
controls; - sixty flying hours had elapsed since maintenance was last
performed on the aileron control system. The defect was apparently
not recognised during that time; and - the flight crew did not consult with company engineering
personnel for technical advice prior to commencing the flight.
During the BASI onsite investigation, the details of this
occurrence, together with occurrences 9804343, 9900874 and 9900556,
which identified similar deficiencies, were discussed with the
operating company's management and staff. Concerns identified by
the BASI team were translated into company recommended safety
actions, which management undertook to implement. The company
immediately introduced changes to the duplicate inspection
procedures, and would introduce education and awareness safety
notices regarding effective communication between flight and
maintenance personnel. It would also emphasise the responsibilities
incumbent on the crew when carrying out the daily inspection
procedure. The implementation and effectiveness of these company
initiatives will be monitored by BASI.