An air carrier First Officer reported that ballast needed for center of gravity was recorded on the electronic weight and balance system and the cargo load sheet but not physically loaded into the cargo bay; causing some control difficulties.
Synopsis
An air carrier First Officer reported that ballast needed for center of gravity was recorded on the electronic weight and balance system and the cargo load sheet but not physically loaded into the cargo bay; causing some control difficulties.
Narrative
Our flight departed without 300 lbs. ballast in the cargo area. This 300 lbs was recorded in the electronic weight and balance system and on the cargo load sheet prior to departure. On arrival ramp personal noticed that the 300 lbs. of ballast had not been loaded on the aircraft. This most likely put the airplane out of center of gravity [limits]. This was disconcerting as the extra weight had been put into the electronic weight and balance system but had not been loaded by ramp and baggage crew. The flight landed safely with no incidents. I believe that the event occurred because of inadequate procedures and communication between load planners and the ramp. Load planning is possibly entering cargo information into the electronic weight and balance system prematurely prior to getting getting final numbers from the ramp loaders. The flight crew goes off of the paperwork we receive in the cockpit on location and amount of cargo loaded. We are not required to verify visually actual cargo in all compartments.
Second reporter narrative
My recommendation for this problematic safety situation is a meeting of the department heads to clarify everyone's role in loading the aircraft; so everyone can work together as a team; allowing for the system to work as written by the procedures manual. Perhaps the tower is inputting figures to the EWBS system in order to obtain an on-time departure. If there is a problem obtaining an on-time departure; that should be addressed accordingly.
NASA callback
The Reporter stated that the flight that morning was very light with only five passengers so the 300 pound ballast was needed. When the Crew researched the issue later it was determined that Load Planning had not talked to the Ramp Personnel about the ballast. Because the Reporter's air carrier turn around times are typically thirty five minutes; shorter times when running late; there is simply no time for the flight crew to personally inspect the cargo to ensure it is loaded as requested. That verification task is not on the pilot's job description and it would be unreasonable to add the task to the regular walk around; checklists; flight route clearance request and FMC loading. The Reporter has not personally experienced this loading error before but is aware that it is a problem at his air carrier because his Chief Pilot has talk about it at meetings in the past. The Captain; who the the Pilot Flying; stated after the fact the the airplane was nose heavy and landed flat because he had difficulty pulling the nose up.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.