B767 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Weight And Balance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors; Procedure
During flight we noticed what sounded like cargo shifting. We could hear the [cargo] slamming up against a bulkhead or another can any time we changed power settings or made a turn. After landing a ground person informed us that the previous station had not put the locks up in the aft cargo compartment. This is potentially a deadly situation and should be dealt with accordingly. I [once] watched as a 747 crashed into the ground due to improper loading techniques. This situation is completely unacceptable and could cause loss of aircraft and life.
Once in level flight at cruise we noticed that with every speed change a loud thump was both heard and felt in the airframe. A cargo can was clearly not secured. We determined the only course of action was to fly smoothly and continue to land. Upon review of the load plan every cargo station appeared to have a ULD (Unit Loading Device). As undesirable as the situation was; we determined that the other [containers] would help contain loose [container]. On descent every speed and altitude change was accompanied with an audible and physical thump as the ULD shifted. The sound appeared to be the [container] nearest the flight deck on the forward station of the main cargo deck. Upon landing we investigated further and found the AFT belly cargo ULD to be completely unlocked. It was alarming that the thumps and thuds were from the cargo station most distant from the flight deck and were so apparent to us. This is yet another instance of [Company] being lucky instead of good. If the empty can had been heavier and perhaps not surrounded by other locked cans to contain it the outcome could have been different. The quality of the [Company] ground service and station maintenance is dismal; it is extremely apparent on line operations that the only motivation is for an on time departure at all cost and any risk. Until [Company] sees employees as an asset as opposed as a liability nothing will change; mistakes will continue; and incidents are inevitable.
B767 flight crew reported cargo shifted during flight due to ground crew not installing cargo locks.