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Maintenance processes for drain line heater
Date issue released
Issue number
AO-2008-003-SI-04
Transport Function
Aircraft Maintenance
Issue Owner
Boeing Co
Mode of Transport
Aviation
Safety Issue Description

Maintenance processes did not identify or correct the inoperability of the forward drain line heater.

Issue Status Justification

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

Proactive action
Action number
AO-2008-003-NSA-032
Organisation
Boeing Co
Action date
Action Status
Closed
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.

Proactive action
Action number
AO-2008-003-NSA-033
Organisation
Qantas Airways
Action date
Action Status
Closed
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.