Technicians reported communications problems resulted in a mix up in parts and the wrong valve was installed on the aircraft.
Synopsis
Technicians reported communications problems resulted in a mix up in parts and the wrong valve was installed on the aircraft.
Narrative
I was replacing a 10th stage solenoid valve. I am certain we verified that we had the correct part number on hand for the position we were installing. Unfortunately; we had 4 of the solenoid valves plane side. Valves for the 7th and 10th stage. Both parts look identical and their function/test is identical. One of us inadvertently grabbed the wrong valve from the 4 on hand and I installed it on the aircraft. I personally did the installation of the valve; even though the computer indicates my co-worker signed off the install. He was handling the paperwork portion of the job; while I closed up the aircraft. We divided these tasks to make our Estimated Time of Repair and get the aircraft back in service. He was there during the install and saw the work being performed; but it was my work and my responsibility to put in the correct valve.To sum this up; I installed a 7th stage solenoid valve in the 10th stage position. One of us just grabbed the wrong component and I installed it. We had the correct valve in hand; but being as they look identical; the wrong one was inadvertently put on.
Second reporter narrative
Replacing the 10th stage solenoid valve on #1 engine; we received 2 boxes of valves; 10th and 7th stage; which looked identical. With plane out of service; a suggestion was made to change all valves in that area; but through troubleshooting; the valve that failed its test was the 10th stage. A valve was taken out and installed on the aircraft. While my coworker finished the safetying of lines; cannon plugs an components; I proceeded to fill out the paperwork; and update logbook on our progress. We completed the install and ran the engine multiple times. It passed all tests. We then signed off the logbook and released the aircraft. On Date; we were informed that the wrong component was installed in the 10th stage valve position. We somehow inadvertently grabbed the wrong part from the boxes of valves and installed it on the aircraft. Due to the identical features and data plates numbers and letters scribed unto body of part; a mistake was made.
More incidents for this aircraft family →
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.