ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the challenges presented by human error in aircraft maintenance. Maintenance error can be defined as an unexpected aircraft discrepancy attributable to the actions of an Aviation Maintenance Technician. The chapter draws on the aircraft safety, it must be recognized that maintenance error has significant economic implications as well. To gain a better understanding of maintenance error, it is essential to understand the tasks and environment of the aircraft maintenance technician. In the case of the 1989 Sioux City DC-10 engine disc failure, the suspected inspection failure occurred 17 months before the aircraft accident. The chapter discusses one installation error, in particular, which aptly illustrates the role that human factors awareness can have in helping to prevent maintenance-induced aircraft discrepancies and thereby improve overall system reliability and safety. Based upon the safety and economic data provided earlier, however, there appears to be significant potential for improvement.
