A Line Mechanic reports a Maintenance Controller attempted to intimidate and threaten him into signing off a pilot write-up for a #1 engine propeller oil leak on a DHC-8-Q400 aircraft.
Synopsis
A Line Mechanic reports a Maintenance Controller attempted to intimidate and threaten him into signing off a pilot write-up for a #1 engine propeller oil leak on a DHC-8-Q400 aircraft.
Narrative
I have had many difficulties in communicating professionally with our Air Carrier Maintenance Control. I was on duty; when I received a call from Mr. X in Maintenance Control in regards to a DHC-8-Q400 pilot write-up for engine #1 prop (propeller) oil leak. I performed an initial visual evaluation of the leak; it was determined to be excessive and I reported it to Mr. X. He then asked me to check the propeller oil level; re-service it and put it on 50-hour Deferred Maintenance. [When] I asked him about the type of oil required for the propeller; he simply told me that he did not know.I tried to log into company maintenance computer to copy applicable references but the system failed to launch; then I asked Mr. X to fax me all MM (Maintenance Manual) references applicable to do that task. He faxed me an incomplete MM reference for Propeller Oil Level Check that was missing the sub-tasks that include the propeller spinner removal; servicing; type of oil and the Deferred Maintenance criteria. Given the fact that [our parent company] Air Carrier X Mechanics are not trained on these types of aircraft; I had to obtain the proper paperwork before working on the aircraft.I called Mr. X back; asking for the complete paperwork. At that point; he became hostile and threatened to report me to my Manager if I don't finish the task with whatever paperwork I have. He also told me to disregard our parent Carrier X's policies; because things are done differently at this Carrier Y's operation. After the required references were obtained; I checked the oil level and found it to be low but we didn't have the type of oil to service the propeller. In my opinion; the propeller did not even meet the criteria for a 50-hour Deferred Maintenance requirements.These findings were reported to Mr. X. He stated that he had already reported me to the Director of Maintenance for some reason that I'm not clear on and another Technician [from our Operation] would be sent over with the proper oil to finish the work. The following day; the aircraft was written up twice for the same discrepancy and subsequently grounded in ZZZ; at that time the aircraft didn't even complete the 50-hour Deferred Maintenance; After Carrier Y's Technician evaluated the situation; where he added over 800cc of prop grease than the decision was made to ferry the aircraft to ZZZ1 for a prop change.A [contributing cause] was Carrier Y's Maintenance Controller's behavior; of intimidation and disregard to regulation.
NASA callback
Reporter stated he was referring to one of their DHC-8-Q400 aircraft that had a #1 engine propeller leak. The prop leak had been running out to the tip of the propeller blade and aft along the engine nacelle; oil was also on the fuselage. He tried to get Maintenance Controller to understand the Maintenance Manual only allowed propeller oil leakage to extend two inches into the prop span area for continued flight under their 50-hour Maintenance Deferral Procedures.Reporter stated he would not clear the pilot write-up with the prop leaking that much oil. So the same Maintenance Controller sent a younger; less experienced Mechanic to service the prop oil and sign-off the logbook write-up.Reporter stated that after that incident; his Air Carrier issued a memo to all maintenance personnel that if they do not have the materials to do the job; than don't do the work until you do. He hopes Maintenance Controller gets the same message and stops trying to intimidate mechanics.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.