A320
Maintenance Airframe; Maintenance Powerplant
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Company Policy; Incorrect / Not Installed / Unavailable Part; Human Factors; Equipment / Tooling
Inbound flight from ZZZ1 to ZZZ for Routine Overnight Maintenance (RON). During RON and (interior) Seat Inspection (Seat Program); I noticed what appeared to be a possible leak from the Aft Galley on an A320 aircraft. A large puddle extending to the lavatory and the Aft Right Entry Door (which had began icing over) was found and later determined after inspection of the galley; to be solely from a galley trolley ice cart. Inspection of the ice container revealed that it was installed into the aircraft as an unserviceable unit; as it was wrapped into a black garbage bag to attempt to prevent leakage. After removing remaining ice and the trash bag; the container was found to be marked in black marker SEVEN times; as being in an unserviceable condition and having an old Company Material (COMAT) label dated September 2012; ZZZ1 to ZZZ. Markings were as follows: Leaks;' 'Leeks;' 'Broken;' 'Do Not Use;' 'Leaks;' Leaks;' 'Broken.' The container was also determined to be missing the access doors and hinges and appears severely damaged with sharp edges; where the hinges would be mounted.Clearly an unserviceable part was allowed to be placed into service. As the container previously was COMAT to ZZZ1 per the attached label; it can be assumed it was taken out of service by ZZZ Maintenance and routed for proper disposition and repair to ZZZ1 company Stores. I believe an investigation should be conducted to determine via COMAT and ZZZ/ZZZ1 Stores records; where the failure to quarantine and properly handle the unserviceable part is exhibited. Water ingress from galley ice containers has been an issue repeatedly addressed; and the resolve of utilizing better performing containers has closed many issues relating to the matter. Maintaining these containers in Serviceable condition is necessary to ensure compliance for safe operations and with Company policies and FAR's; but can easily be overlooked as Catering Vendors may choose to not abide to such. Due to the extreme nature of the markings on the container and the manner of 'preventing' continued leakage with a trash bag; it is my believe a poor decision was made by a Vendor allowing this container to be placed back into service; possibly on multiple occasions. A review of Policies and Procedures for our Catering vendors maybe in order to ensure no further violation reoccurs.
Reporter stated the Galley Service Carts have an insulated container to store large amounts of ice that should not be leaking when in-service on the aircraft. Even though the Aircraft Manufacturer installs Mylar sheeting material under the galley moon mats; to reduce water ingress under the galley flooring; lots of corrosion damage still occurs on the galley floor beams from leaking ice carts. Heavy Maintenance is required to repair the damaged floor beams. The ice containers are approximately three feet long and one foot high and are placed inside the Service Carts. No one appears to be taking responsibility for addressing the issues of unserviceable galley ice carts and Contract Vendor serviceability requirements.
A Line Mechanic suggests that an investigation should be conducted to determine where a failure to quarantine and properly handle unserviceable galley ice cart containers had occurred; after noticing that a large puddle; extending from an aft galley ice cart to the lavatory and the aft right entry door on an A320; had started to ice over.