A320, Gold Coast QLD Australia, 2017

A320, Gold Coast QLD Australia, 2017

Summary

On 18 December 2017, an A320 crew found that only one thrust reverser deployed when the reversers were selected shortly after touchdown but were able to retain directional control. The Investigation found that the aircraft had been released to service in Adelaide with the affected engine reverser lockout pin in place. This error was found to have occurred in a context of multiple failures to follow required procedures during the line maintenance intervention involved for which no mitigating factors of any significance could be identified. A corrective action after a previous similar event at the same maintenance facility was also found not to have been fully implemented.

Description

On 18 December 2017, an Airbus A320 crew (VH-VQG) being operated by Jetstar Airways on a scheduled domestic Australia passenger flight from Adelaide to Gold Coast had just touched down normally at its destination in day VMC when thrust reverser selection by the Captain was followed by deployment of only the right engine reverser with an indication of a ‘reverse fault’ on the left engine reverser appearing. The reverser controls were moved to the stowed position, directional control was maintained and taxi in completed.

Investigation

An Investigation was carried out by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) after it was found on a post flight engineering inspection that the left engine reverser had not deployed when selected because its lockout pin was fitted.

It was established that the flight involved was the first of the day after completion by contracted MRO Qantas of overnight maintenance on the left engine which had been carried out by two licensed aircraft maintenance engineers whilst the aircraft was parked outside.

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