Maintenance Powerplant; Maintenance Airframe
Communication Breakdown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR
General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Human Factors
September 2014 was assigned to an Airbus A321 with Job Card (J/C) XXXX09 for # 1 and # 2 Engine Wash. This task was accomplished I.A.W to the letter of J/C XXXX09 as witnessed by inspection department. This aircraft flew for 31-days with no issues to VSV/Bleed problems. Suspect undocumented maintenance was performed between September and October 2014. As stated; with nut missing; this condition would be impossible in this timetable not to have a failure. Event took place at ZZZ Hangar north side. Found during an A-Check. Suspect undocumented maintenance performed at multiple maintenance station visits between September and October 2014. Reference Logbook for Non-routine Line log 'remove and replaced actuator rod end bolt and nut Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) 75-32-41-400. No other defects noted; signed by Inspection. [Recommend that] all maintenance require proper documentation.
During an A-Check Right-hand (R/H) engine inspection; it was discovered that the bolt that connects the VSV actuator to the Stator vane bellcrank was partially backed out and missing the nut. Verbal notification [given] by Inspection Supervisor. Suspect undocumented maintenance between the dates of September 2014 thru October 2014. [Maintenance] Removed and Replaced (R/R) Right engine VSV actuator rod end bolt; washer and nut per AMM 75-32-41-400. No other defects found. Inspected by a different Inspector. Technicians being made aware of impact of undocumented maintenance.
An Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) and an Aircraft Maintenance Inspector give their perspective as to why a locking nut that secures a VSV Actuator Fork End bolt to the Stator Vane Bellcrank input rod on a V2500 engine was found missing during an A-Check Inspection. The A321 flew 31-days without any VSV discrepancies on the right engine. Undocumented maintenance or sub-standard aircraft hardware are believed to be contributors.