PA-46 Malibu/Malibu Mirage/Malibu Matrix
Maintenance Airframe; Maintenance Powerplant
Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General Maintenance Action
Human Factors; Procedure
In ZZZ I began removing a wing panel from the right wing. I peeled off a corner of the panel and realized that it was a fuel tank. There was no fuel leak at that time. I resealed the panel and replaced the screws. Since the aircraft was based in ZZZ1 and the owner needed to return to ZZZ1 he elected to fly the aircraft to its home base with half tanks in case there was any fuel leak. Upon arriving and refueling two days later [in ZZZ1]; a small leak was noted from said wing panel. What caused the problem was my lack of experience and haste in removing the panel. To mitigate this in the future I will exercise more caution when removing panels. The panel is now being repaired at the home airport.
Reporter stated work was being accomplished under a supervising (I/A) Inspector who had directed that the upper wing access panel be removed as part of an Annual Inspection for the Piper PA46-310 non-turboprop Malibu. The Piper Aircraft Maintenance Manuals (AMM) are not very informative and the IA didn't realize the access panel was actually part of the wing fuel tank.Reporter stated the reference to peeling off a corner of the access panel wasn't about the actual panel; but the sealant under and around the panel known as Bee-half (B-1/2); also known as B-one over two or B-one-half adhesive. While trying to lift the panel away; the adhesive was stretching but not separating; indicating there may be more going on with the panel than immediately known. Reporter noted having the Airframe and Powerplant (A/P) certificates for less than a year.
An Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) was directed by an I/A Inspector to remove an upper wing skin access panel on a Piper PA46-310 Malibu for an Annual Inspection (A/I). During removal; AMT realizes the panel was part of the right wing fuel tank. Inspector and Technician believe the Piper Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) is not very informative or detailed for the Malibu aircraft.