B747-400
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Human-Machine Interface; Distraction
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
General None Reported / Taken
Procedure; Human Factors
During the cargo pre-flight I walked the main deck and arrived in the aft of the aircraft as the ground crew was closing the cargo door and flipping up pallet locks in the empty positions. I began to study one pallet a few positions forward from the tail on the right side. There was an empty position immediately aft of this pallet. Some cargo on this pallet had collapsed and was retained by the cargo net on the left side of the pallet. I inquired about the cargo and the ground crew assured me it was ok and they would add additional straps just to be safe. I then asked about the hazmat I had seen during my walk through and followed some ground crew members forward. After the flight I was informed by the Captain that this same pallet had shifted during flight and possibly damaged some cargo. Thinking back on my pre-flight I cannot recall looking at the aft locks of this pallet. I believe I allowed the condition of the pallet and subsequent conversation with ground crew to distract me from my normal duties. This was a reminder of how important attention to detail can be and how it takes extra diligence when confronted with non-normal conditions.
A cargo pallet [had] shifted one position rearward on takeoff due to aft locks not in the up and locked position. With all cargo doors closed and prior to departure; the First Officer performed his cargo inspection; was briefed on cargo loading and location of Haz-Mat. Soon there after; the flight developed a Maintenance delay requiring analysis from Maintenance Engineering. As we waited; I noticed from the top of the stairs (flight deck); three loading personnel entering at the L1 and walk to the rear. I asked the Supervisor Load Master sitting nearby what they were doing and he responded he did not know (shrugged) and did not display any concern. I then returned to my task of requesting addition fuel due to APU burn. Upon arrival; as I was leaving the aircraft (others were already off); the head Load Personnel advised me of a cargo shift and I went with him to the position to inspect and get information.
A pallet shifted during takeoff and landing on a B747; causing cargo damage.  It was found that aft pallet locks were not properly set.