2011-06 · NASA ASRS report 955069
A Mechanic was informed a forward nacelle pylon panel on #1 engine departed a DHC-8-100 aircraft on take-Off roll after he had completed a preflight Service Check. Work interruptions involving other maintenance tasks contributed to the upper 'horse collar' panel not being latched prior to take-off.
I completed the preflight Service Check while Mechanic Y did an unscheduled [fuel] nozzle change on #1 engine. I also changed the power take-off unit (PTU) check valve for a function check. We jacked the DHC-8-100 [to do an] Ops Check of the PTU check valve. Mechanic Y went back to working on the [fuel] nozzles. I completed the Operational checking of the PTU check valve and closed the panel. While I was on top of the wings I completed the panel inspection for the preflight Maintenance Check.Once I got on the ground; I removed the hydraulic and electrical AC carts and finished up on the panel inspection from the ground. I stamped-off on the Preflight Check Work Card knowing that Mechanic Y; doing nozzles; would have to complete his work card for closing the cowling. The aircraft was still on jacks when Mechanic Y finished the nozzles and I finished looking over the paperwork while waiting for help to get the aircraft down off the jacks. Mechanic Y pulled the engine stand out of the way and I assumed he closed and secured the cowlings and he helped take the aircraft off jacks. The horse collar panel wasn't known missing until the aircraft landed in ZZZ1. Mechanic Y doing nozzles was being interrupted to help with other tasks; like jacking the aircraft. There is going to be a meeting with all the mechanics looking for suggestions.
Reporter stated he was performing a normal preflight Service Check while another Mechanic did an unscheduled engine fuel nozzle replacement on #1 engine due to 'hot' engine starts. The 'horse collar' he was referring to was not the engine horse collar support fitting where the forward engine mounts are attached to; but a section of the engine nacelle panel that sits on top of the engine and wraps down on both sides; between the prop and actual horse collar fitting. That same panel also secures the engine lower cowling to the upper horse collar panel. Reporter stated the Flight Crew later said they heard a 'thump' but did not see anything unusual; so they continued their take-Off roll. The horse collar panel had departed the engine nacelle and was later found on the runway. The same panel can be installed and looks secured; but the two latches on each side of the engine where the horse collar panel comes down may not be latched and are not easily noticed. Work interruptions involving other maintenance tasks contributed to the upper 'horse collar' panel not being latched prior to take-off.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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