Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 60; Flight Crew Total 17000; Flight Crew Type 4400
Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown; Confusion
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; General Maintenance Action; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed
Environment - Non Weather Related; Company Policy; Aircraft; Human Factors; Manuals
I was reassigned to fly a ferry flight for what I thought was to move a flight into position for a revenue trip. Instead it was a maintenance reposition; one time ferry flight; for a fuselage repair. This aircraft had extensive corrosion damage in the aft baggage [cargo] compartment that was discovered on a filter replacement the day before. The extensive damage had been there for quite some time.The photos shown to me by Company Air Carrier Maintenance Technician; were eye opening. There was extensive damage to the stringers; and there was a wire bundle that could be seen hanging loose; no longer secured in place. When I asked the Technician about the damage; he said he had seen worse. The photo looked like something you would see on a visit to the Titanic.  For the safety of crews and passengers alike; I feel that an inspection on all Boeing B757/767 needs to be accomplished before a hull lost happens due to improper Inspection/Maintenance. This problem can have the same consequences as the MD-80 jack-screw problem. We need to get these aircraft inspected and repaired system wide immediately.
Reporter stated not only was the extensive corrosion an issue; but the loose; hanging; unsecured electrical wiring was chafing and could have shorted out; or caused a fire in the Aft Equipment area. The amount of corrosion must have taken some time to develop. That's why he feels inspections of that area on B757/767 aircraft should be accomplished immediately.
I was helping a new Mechanic just back from furlough; [just] aft of the rear bulkhead in the aft pit. While helping him; I noticed this corrosion. The B757 was ferried to company Maintenance Base to repair the Fuselage Frame. The aircraft is still being worked. No other factors involved.
A Captain and Maintenance Technician report about extensive corrosion damage found in the Aft Cargo Compartment; Aft Equipment Bay of a B757-200 aircraft. Pilot also notes immediate inspections and maintenance need to be accomplished on B757/767 aft fuselage sections to prevent a hull lost from similar excessive corrosion.