A Mechanic and Inspector report they failed to notice a pitch disconnect handle on the center console of a DHC-8-300 aircraft; had been re-installed 90-degrees out of position; after replacement of the Number-1 fuel level gauge. Flight crew had noticed the incorrect position a few days later.
Synopsis
A Mechanic and Inspector report they failed to notice a pitch disconnect handle on the center console of a DHC-8-300 aircraft; had been re-installed 90-degrees out of position; after replacement of the Number-1 fuel level gauge. Flight crew had noticed the incorrect position a few days later.
Narrative
Routine Overnight (RON) [Maintenance]. During post flight; checked flight deck gauges if operating correctly when 'press to test.' Fuel gauge when 'press to test' [found] inoperative. Informed one Lead Mechanic X; who was on shift that morning and informed the Lead Mechanic Y; of Aircraft Y. I was told to swap the Number-1 fuel gauge with a new one but to first remove the pitch handle to install [fuel gauge]. Lead Mechanic assigned me to someone to assist and to train me on how to remove and install the pitch handle.I was told that Avionics had a gate call and they discovered the problem with the pitch handle being installed in the wrong orientation. Weekend aging aircraft [check]; stressful atmosphere and hectic; being trained by one Mechanic and two Lead mechanics at the same time. The Supervisor was notified about the situation; went about the correct procedures and notified me; so I could fill out the safety report form. [I suggest] making sure the correct references are used; be trained by one Lead and be more careful next time.
Second reporter narrative
During a weekend aging aircraft inspection; it was noted that the number one fuel Level gauge was not working properly. During the fuel level gauge change; removal of the pitch disconnect handle is required to allow the gauge to pass. The Mechanic proceeded to remove the handle and change the gauge; after the gauge was changed she came to me for Quality Control (QC) final acceptance and Safety/Operational (Operations) Check. Everything worked fine; neither one of us noticing the [pitch disconnect] handle was installed 90-degrees out of position.The handle was noticed out of place by a flight crew [pilot] a few days after it had been changed. The event occurred due to a lack of supervision and training on the Mechanic's part; and myself failing to notice the [pitch disconnect] handle position being out of the ordinary. After it was noticed by flight crew; Maintenance Control was notified and the QC Supervisor called and notified me. I recommend better training and supervision for newer mechanics and a better; more up to date training on the pitch and roll disconnect systems. In the future I'm gonna be more attentive and look into the maintenance manuals harder to find the proper information and procedures.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.