A319
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Maintenance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General Maintenance Action
Human Factors; Procedure
We had no discrepancies during our flight. Upon arrival at the gate a Mechanic came on the flight deck and stated that he had to perform maintenance on the aft flight attendant oxygen system. I contacted Maintenance Control to find out what this was all about. During the overnight Maintenance performed a 3 day inspection and cleared MEL 35-21-01g with the corrective action; R&R flight attendants emergency O2 container. At some point; I assume after our departure; Maintenance became aware that the O2 generator had been removed but not replaced even though it was signed off as being accomplished. The Mechanic was there to inspect and verify the situation with the O2 system. He wrote in the discrepancy column of the logbook 'inspection aft galley O2 container no generator installed' and signed off as corrective action; 'transfer to DMI IAW MEL 35-21-01l Cat B due [in three days] placard installed.' Note the difference in MEL #; the original was apparently incorrect. As a result the aircraft was not airworthy for the leg we had just flown. The flight attendants O2 panel was properly closed so the flight attendant had no indication that there was a problem. The logbook was signed off as the work was accomplished when in fact it had not been done. Also we should have been informed of the issue with the flight attendants O2 system while in flight so that we could brief the affected flight attendant of the situation and her options for O2 in the event of an emergency. As the situation was handled the flight crew and Flight Attendant C had no knowledge that her O2 system would not work if she were to need it. Communicate and coordinate with the flight crew when there is a safety of flight issue.
A319 Captain becomes aware after landing that a flight attendant oxygen generator was removed by Maintenance and not replaced although the logbook was signed off as being replaced. Maintenance did not inform the crew enroute had a mechanic standing by upon gate arrival.