B737-800 flight crew reported a passenger lost a Lithium Ion battery powered electronic device during pre-flight. Passenger deplaned while maintenance conducted an unsuccessful search and provided an AML entry before departure.
Synopsis
B737-800 flight crew reported a passenger lost a Lithium Ion battery powered electronic device during pre-flight. Passenger deplaned while maintenance conducted an unsuccessful search and provided an AML entry before departure.
Narrative
I was the Pilot Flying (PF) while a Check Pilot was receiving an FAA observation conducting a simulated line check ZZZ-ZZZ1. While at the gate the Flight Attendants (FA) informed me that a deplaning passenger possibly lost an AirPods charger. This device has its own lithium battery in it. One of the Flight Attendants stated that it needed to be found due to being a lithium battery as she had previous experience with a similar situation. We discussed the situation and decided a call to Maintenance Control was warranted. The Maintenance Control told me we had to find the lost item due to the lithium battery in the device. Maintenance Control dispatched local maintenance to the aircraft. I made a log book entry in the AML. At that time the station and local maintenance conducted searches. The item could not be found and station personnel advised that a security inspection should be done.The item could not be located with multiple searches and the security inspection was completed. All of this information was conveyed to Maintenance Control by local maintenance and they accepted the search and stipulated that the fire containment bag and 2 full water bottles be on the aircraft. This process was very lengthy. The FAA inspector requested the Check Pilot and I turn in reports so the event could be used as a training event in the future.It should be noted that it was a possibility that the item wasn't even lost on the aircraft. Taking a delay in the interest of safety is obviously paramount; it seemed however that Maintenance Control resisted clearing the logbook entry even after the security inspection was completed. Also; I do not believe many crew members are aware of this issue. [The cause was a] lack of crew member knowledge of the procedure/issue. Provide and create guidance to address the recommended practices for a possible lost lithium items in the cabin for Maintenance; cabin crew; and flight crew.
Second reporter narrative
This event occurred while I as a new Check Pilot was receiving an FAA observation conducting a simulated line check ZZZ-ZZZ1. While at the GATE the Flight Attendants (FA) informed the acting Captain that a deplaning passenger possibly lost an AirPods charger. This device has its own lithium battery in it. One of the Flight Attendants stated that it needed to be found due to being a lithium battery as she had previous experience with a similar situation. They all communicated their respective concerns with the acting Captain and tried locating the lost item. The Captain then called Maintenance Control to determine their course of action. The Captain made a log book entry into the AML & Maintenance Control stated that the item needed to be found before departure. At that time the station then conducted a new security inspection to try and locate the lost lithium AirPod item. The item could not be located with multiple searches and the security inspection was completed. All of this information was conveyed to Maintenance Control and they accepted the search and stipulated that the fire containment bag and 2 full water bottles be on the aircraft. This process was very lengthy. The FAA observing myself requested I turn in a report so the event could be used as a training event in the future.It should be noted that it was a possibility that the item wasn't even lost on the aircraft. Taking a delay in the interest of safety is obviously paramount; It seemed however that Maintenance Control resisted clearing the logbook entry even after the security inspection was completed.Assuming the item was absolutely lost on the aircraft. Maintenance Controls guidance to absolutely find the item. Continuing to search even after a security inspection was completed. Provide and create guidance to address the recommended practices for a possible lost lithium items in the cabin for Maintenance; cabin crew; and flight crew.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.