A320 flight crew discovered maintenance failed to replace both nose tires as required by maintenance manual when either tire pressure reads below 145 PSI.
Synopsis
A320 flight crew discovered maintenance failed to replace both nose tires as required by maintenance manual when either tire pressure reads below 145 PSI.
Narrative
While performing the initial power up we had a TR2 failure indicated; and the captain called Maintenance Control for troubleshooting. He then was told there was a contract mechanic already there for a nose tire inflation issue. The Controller indicated that the tire would be serviced and to start boarding. 10 minutes later we were informed; after starting to board; that the tire pressure was 130 PSI and the tire would need to be changed. A new tire was coming from another carrier. The Captain decided to deplane the aircraft. The new tire wasn't suitable so a tire had to be flown in.Afterward; we discovered the following: 1) If the tire pressure was less than 145 PSI both tires needed to be replaced; not just one. Checking our log; the aircraft had flown three legs before the second nose tire was changed. 2) The Maintenance Controller told the Captain he had 150 aircraft to monitor and was too busy at that moment. Is he the only Controller on duty in the early morning? As a crew it was disturbing that maintenance did not write up the original discrepancy of 130 PSI so that was on our paperwork. It should have been obvious at that moment that 130 PSI on a nose tire required replacement of both nose tires; yet only one tire was flown in and replaced. The chart states; 'replace tire and mate' if pressure is 144-0. It was apparent to the Captain that the Controller was overworked. If the simple maintenance issues like this are being screwed up; how much reliance should we as a crew have that maintenance is dealing with more complex issues in a more reliable manner?
Second reporter narrative
Nose tire pressure 130 PSI. Only one nose tire changed. I have since found out two should have been changed. When I spoke to Maintenance Controller he seemed confident that changing only one tire was proper. He also sounded too busy. Contract Maintenance also had paperwork that may/should have shown a two tire change required.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.