A Line Mechanic performed a detailed inspection of an A320 fuselage and tail section during heavy rain and lightning for a possible lightning strike that was reported by a passenger.
Synopsis
A Line Mechanic performed a detailed inspection of an A320 fuselage and tail section during heavy rain and lightning for a possible lightning strike that was reported by a passenger.
Narrative
An A320 aircraft arrived with a 'possible lightning strike' report from the flight crew. The Captain was met by me on arrival and I was briefed by him upon completion of his post flight inspection. In his brief we discussed the 'possibility of a lightning strike' on the lower fuselage aft of the cockpit during flight. We discussed that on his walk-around he did not see any damage in the suspected area or on any area below wing. After our brief I went to the flight deck to obtain the logbook; preceded back to the office for the inspection TASK 05-51-18; (inspection after lightning strike on condition); suited-up in preparation for the heavy rain that was falling and grabbed my flashlight for the approaching nightfall. Please note that on the same day; our ZZZ airport and the surrounding area experienced a major weather event which involved heavy precipitation fall; severe lightning and associated turbulence which lasted in the area for approximately 36-hours.My inspection where I began with the step by step set up of the aircraft for the visual below and above wing inspections. Upon completion of the aircraft set up; I began a Detailed Inspection that started at the fuselage radome exterior surface and lightning diverters. I went through the task step by step for the inspection until I was complete. I returned the aircraft to its original configuration per the task and completed the inspection with the logbook and maintenance computer entries. The strike hole was discovered three days later; and was corrected with an Engineering Order and was released for service. I was notified three days later and resulted is this form being submitted. Gaps in days due to days off of Lead Mechanic and Aviation Maintenance Technician. Lead Mechanic was also not able to notify me on the day of discovery. The only AMT action that could be mentioned that might have avoided this event was to ground the A320 aircraft until the weather environment was suitable for a safe inspection.
NASA callback
Reporter stated a passenger had told a Flight Attendant that he thought the tail area had been hit by lightning on approach; the Flight Attendant informed the pilot. The rain was very heavy and there was lightning at the time he was performing the detailed inspection of the aircraft. He realizes now he probably should not have been working from the hi-lift platform truck given all the lightning going on; but Maintenance Control and Customer Service were pushing hard to turn the aircraft around for departure. About an hour into his detailed inspection the outbound flight was canceled due to the severe weather. The inspection took about five hours to complete. He did not find any lightning strike damage; so he signed-off the inspection tasks under the Air Transport Association ATA Chapter 05-51-18 for Unscheduled Inspections.Reporter stated the A320 did fly in and out of ZZZ for approximately three days; even with the bad weather; before a First Officer noticed a static wick was missing from the outboard trailing edge of the right elevator. Prior to anyone noticing the missing static wick; multiple walk arounds by pilots and mechanics had been accomplished and no one noticed any discrepancies with the elevator. He feels he did a very thorough inspection of the elevator; despite the weather conditions; and believes the static wick could easily separated from the elevator after his inspection. Reporter stated a temporary repair was issued by their Engineering Department; item deferred and aircraft released for service. The missing static wick was replaced during overnight Maintenance. His company has since issued an alert memo to their flight crews and maintenance groups to give additional attention to certain areas of the aircraft during walk arounds.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.