2023-05 · NASA ASRS report 1998551
B737-800 flight crew reported communications problems and procedural issues resulted in a lengthy maintenance delay to address torn seals and damage in the Krueger Flap area discovered on the pre-flight walk around.
The First Officer did a walk around and showed me a couple of pictures that warranted a call to Maintenance. The area of concern were large scratches with paint removed from both sides located by the top engine pylons where the Kruger Flaps extend. I asked Maintenance to take a look at ZZZ. The First Officer took pictures of the scratches and showed the Maintenance Technician. He asked if we could send him the pictures on his phone; and we said; Why don't you just take a picture with your own phone and forward to Maintenance Control." The Maintenance Technician left the aircraft; then returned and said he could not find the scratches. So I went outside to show him the scratches in question. He then asked to lower the leading edge devices. I cleared the area and had the First Officer lower the flaps to the number one flap position. Once lowered; I noticed that one of the bonding straps to the leading edge Kruger flap was severed. Upon further inspection; I found two bonding straps on each side of the Kruger flaps were severed. So a total of four bonding straps severed; and I also noticed that about 12 inches of the Kruger flap seal was just hanging down from its normally secured position next to an actuator. The Mechanic said that the items were deferrable and he was just going to cut them off? After I put the maintenance discrepancies in the logbook; the Mechanic said he would be back in a half an hour. About 1 hour later; a new Mechanic showed up and said the items were not deferrable. Eventually the aircraft was taken out of service.During the original exchange with the first Mechanic; I asked him what the time frame was for the aircraft to be put back into service and he said to me and I quote; "If you want; you can just write it up enroute to ZZZ1." I was taken back by such a statement. I said absolutely not. The Mechanic wanted me to intentionally be non-compliant. There were two other mechanics that took over the job for the original mechanic. It turns out that the bonding straps were not a deferrable item. Another very concerning event that was brought to my attention. When the original Mechanic had the logbook and was getting off the aircraft; he told the gate agent personnel that there was nothing wrong with the aircraft and it was just because the pilots were in contract negotiations and that was the reason for the write up. I did not hear that statement; but one of the working flight attendants did hear that statement and told me. That kind of rhetoric creates a hostile work environment and was an egregious statement that pits employee groups against one other. The aircraft was taken out of service; so the maintenance issue was an actual grounding event until the aircraft could be repaired. The first mechanic needs to have a good sit down with a supervisor that can explain to him that bonding straps and other items can't just be cut off and written up enroute to the next station. I have absolutely no confidence in a lackadaisical attitude that promotes a lack of safety and negative discourse among employee groups. The mechanic in question was an elderly man; I do not have his name. To be clear; the two mechanics that replaced the original mechanic were professional and handled the maintenance discrepancy with the proper protocols.The first Mechanic's lack of knowledge about the existing maintenance discrepancies and the willingness to cut the bonding straps off and press on. Complete disregard for the proper protocols concerning maintenance discrepancies. The aircraft was taken out of service. Also; telling the gate agents that the maintenance write up was due to pilot contract negotiations. That's a good way to create a hostile work environment. Also; I could not raise ZZZ Operations during the entire 5 hour event. I'm not sure if it was an intentional disregard or lack of staffing; but at least 12 radio calls were made. Maintenance did answer me on the same frequency. The gate agents during the event were professionals and I commend them on their concern for the passengers and the crew.Better maintenance inspections on overnights. 4 bonding straps severed and a dangling 12 inch flap seal probably should have been caught earlier. I highly doubt 4 bonding straps were severed at the same time. I would also like a Supervisor to have a sit down with the first Mechanic and not ask the flight crew to write it up enroute on the way to the next station. Intentional non-compliance. An off the cuff response saying the items were deferrable without proper research is quite concerning. The two mechanics that took over the job were professionals; please inform them that I appreciate their expertise."
During the pre-flight inspection; I noticed some gouges through the paint to the skin on each engine pylon; abeam where the leading edge devices extend. The Captain put in in the logbook and called Maintenance. The Maintainer that first arrived said it was normal and not a problem; encouraging us to overlook the issue or write it up enroute to ZZZ; clearly not an option. Upon extending the flaps for further inspection and asking for us to identify the issue in person; we also discovered several broken bonding straps and a dangling flap seal. The aircraft was taken out of service for repair. The Maintainer's desire to overlook an observed discrepancy is troubling. He was eventually taken off the job and replaced with more professional employees; thankfully. Remind pilots of our responsibilities to document observed discrepancies upon identification and that we should not feel pressured to overlook safety concerns.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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