What happened
On December 5, 2024, at approximately 03:48 UTC, a Boeing 737-8V3, registered as HP-1828CMP, was parked at El Plumerillo International Airport in Mendoza, Argentina. The aircraft was undergoing ground handling preparations for a scheduled commercial flight to Tocumen International Airport in Panama.
During the ramp service process, specifically while the aircraft was being positioned and prepared for pushback, the Ground Power Unit (GPU) was disconnected while the electrical cables were still attached to the aircraft. The subsequent movement of the aircraft while tethered to the GPU caused minor damage to the external power panel located on the forward section of the fuselage.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted as a desk review, established that the damage was limited to the power panel area. Following the incident, the ground mechanic notified the operator. In accordance with manufacturer guidance, a field repair involving a stop drill to arrest the crack was performed, following the procedures outlined in the aircraft maintenance manual (EC/RA #5320-3043C). The aircraft was permitted to return to service with the repair deferred for two flight cycles. The aircraft successfully departed for its destination on December 6, 2024.