MD-11
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Other / Unknown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Human Factors
I was notified by the Duty Officer (via email) that an aircraft I flew had a missing panel from the skin of the aircraft (upper wing) found during post flight. The preflight walk around was completed normally. The ramp was well lit and I had a good quality flashlight. All normal preflight and in flight checklists were completed in accordance with the Flight Manual. All phases of flight were normal with only light chop/light turbulence en route. Descent; approach and landing were also normal. I'm guessing this panel departed the aircraft somewhere en route. I normally look at the top of the wing from the top of the entry stairs. However; they are only on one side of the aircraft. I wasn't told which wing the panel was off of; but as the wing's upper surface is very hard to see from the ground; outside of an elevated platform on both sides of the aircraft; I don't think it's feasible for crew members to access the top of the wing. My best guess is the panel departed the aircraft somewhere in flight and was properly discovered on post flight by Maintenance.
An MD11 First Officer is informed after the fact that an upper wing panel on an aircraft he flew was found missing on post flight.