Incident Overview
On January 7, 2017, during a maintenance inspection at the technical base of a maintenance organization at Warsaw Chopin Airport (EPWA), a discrepancy was discovered involving an Elevator Disconnect Device on an EMBRAER ERJ-195 aircraft operated by PLL LOT SA.
Findings
While performing task 27-31-001 (LUB.CONTROL-COLUMN DISCONNECT) as part of a 750/1200/9500FH+ROU check, maintenance personnel observed that the identification plate on the Elevator Disconnect Device bore part number (PN) 170-24297-407. According to the Embraer Aircraft Illustrated Parts Catalog (AIPC), the correct PN for that component should be 170-24298-407. The incorrectly identified part was removed from the aircraft and replaced with a new unit bearing the correct PN.
The removed part was not found in the maintenance organization's inventory records, nor was it assigned to any aircraft serviced by that organization. Information systems showed no transactions indicating that an Elevator Disconnect Device had been issued from stock for the specific aircraft (registration SP-LNC). The absence of the part in the systems suggested it may have been originally installed by the manufacturer Embraer in 2011. Records from the MERLIN system indicated that as of August 19, 2011, the aircraft was supposed to have a device with PN 170-24298-407 and serial number 0000668639, but this did not match the actual configuration. The aircraft was delivered to PLL LOT on August 24, 2011.
Cause
The cause of the incident was not determined.
Preventive Actions
The maintenance organization notified the aircraft operator of the event. Information was cascaded to maintenance area managers to inform personnel through chain communication. The event was also forwarded to the technical personnel training section for use in periodic human factors and aircraft type training.
Recommendations
No safety recommendations were issued.