A300 First Officer discovered hydraulic leak during preflight and maintenance signs of log entry as normal for this aircraft. On departure green hydraulic system failed and flight returned to departure airport for an emergency landing.
Synopsis
A300 First Officer discovered hydraulic leak during preflight and maintenance signs of log entry as normal for this aircraft. On departure green hydraulic system failed and flight returned to departure airport for an emergency landing.
Narrative
Immediately after takeoff we lost green system hydraulic fluid followed by the associated ECAM message for RSVR Lo Level. Earlier in the day during our origination preflight; studying the logbook I noticed that two days before out flight; this aircraft lost green hydraulic system due to the failure of flex line in the right landing gear. Also; during the preflight my First Officer noticed a small puddle of hydraulic fluid by the right main gear. Maintenance was called approximately 25 minutes prior to departure and showed up about 15 minutes prior to departure. Maintenance signed off in the logbook my entry in the log involving this puddle. Taxi out was normal. Upon raising the landing gear after takeoff; ECAM indicated RSVR Lo Level. Looking at the hydraulic quantity gauge; the needle was below the red dot. We notified ATC; leveled at 4000 FT and remained in the local area telling ATC we were going to return. I notified the flight attendants of the problem; that we would be returning to our departure airport. I also made a PA to the passengers. We completed the procedure following by the landing gear gravity extension procedure. We declared an emergency. We landed uneventfully and we were towed to the gate. I would like to thank ARFF for the prompt response and professional demeanor.
Second reporter narrative
While conducting preflight; I discovered a puddle of presumed hydraulic fluid on the right main landing gear strut. There was a previous write up in the logbook of a loss of green system on this plane two days earlier. I had Captain call maintenance while I continued my preflight. Maintenance showed up. I pointed out the hydraulic fluid to the Mechanic and he said 'You called me about 5 minutes before departure for this?' With my flashlight; I then showed him above the strut where is appeared was wet fluid. More conversation ensued and he then said; 'It's an Airbus; that is what they do.' I went to cockpit followed by Mechanic. He told the Captain to not write 'puddle.' Captain wrote up the discrepancy as I explained it to him. Mechanic signed it off as no problem found. Taxi out normal. After takeoff and gear retraction; we lost green system hydraulic and had an ECAM message of Green RSVR Lo Level. Notified ATC we were emergency aircraft. Leveled off at 4000 FT. Performed checklists; cabin crew notified company maintenance of our return to our departure airprot in approximately 15 minutes; and the need for a tow in from runway. Manually extended gear using gravity extension system. Landed under max landing weight and stopped on Runway. CFR responded; and declared no problems. Maintenance towed aircraft to gate. In my opinion; this never should have happened.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.