One Inspector and two mechanics report their involvement with installing slide/rafts at the R-1 and L-3 cabin door positions on a B777-200 aircraft. The slide/raft installation positions were found reversed from their proper location.
Synopsis
One Inspector and two mechanics report their involvement with installing slide/rafts at the R-1 and L-3 cabin door positions on a B777-200 aircraft. The slide/raft installation positions were found reversed from their proper location.
Narrative
R-1 and L-3 door slides were delivered to aircraft. Together; Aircraft Technician #1 with Aircraft Technician #2 and Inspector verified both slides' serviceability tags matched with applicable IPC (Illustrated Parts Catalog) and matched with [each] slide's part number (P/N). Then we performed the following procedures: 1) Moved AC power unit to clear ground access for R-1 door. 2) Positioned lift truck beneath R-1 door. 3) Removed R-1 slide from crate. 4) Verified proper pressure on slide pressure gauge and proper date on Dymo tape. 5) Verified two safety pins were installed on slide. 6) Positioned slide on forklift. 7) Transported slide from forklift to lift truck. 8) Lifted slide on lift truck to R-1 door entry. At this point; we performed the installation of the door slide with the procedures from work card. Then we installed the L-3 door slide in the same manner. The next day our Supervisor advised us the slides were installed on the wrong doors. After reviewing the procedures; we believe we inadvertently lifted the wrong slides for installation. We believe that Part Numbers need to be verified twice: 1) Verify on the ground. 2) Verify on the aircraft.
NASA callback
Reporter stated both slide/rafts arrived in separate containers; one was in a wooden crate and the other in a cardboard box. The slide/raft combie (combinations) are large and very heavy. After cross-checking and verifying the part numbers; serial numbers; the numbers on each serviceability tag agreeing with the part numbers and serial numbers on each slide/raft in each container; the Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) part numbers and the effectivity of the slide/raft to the specific B777-200 door position; they were ready to install the slide/rafts. Both slides were on the same lift truck. Only problem was they somehow managed to switch the R-1 slide/raft with the L-3 door position when they installed the slide/rafts. Reporter stated they would have caught their mistake if anyone of them had thought to verify one more time; that each slide/raft part number corresponded to the door position they had installed them at. Reporter stated that's why they now recommend that mechanics and inspectors re-check that the door position and slide/raft part numbers agree after installation.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.