Submitted by 2Lt David Lee

On  a  local 402 Squadron training mission, CT142804 experienced a roll spoiler failure during flight.  Trouble shooting by a snag crew subsequently found that cable tensions were not within limits.

During investigation of this incident, several experienced technicians indicated that checking spoiler cable tension was not part of the periodic checks due to a change of the task cards.   Based on his   previous CT142 maintenance experience, MWO Robbins did not believe this was correct.

He found that the specific wording to check cable tensions had been changed in the periodic task cards; however it was embedded deeper in the documentation.

The functional phase task cards use the CFTO as reference and the CFTO contains a note to ensure correct rigging before starting the functional check.

MWO Robbins did not think that the direction in the task card was clear and, given the impression from experienced technicians that cable tension checks were not required, he questioned whether other flight control cable tensions were being checked.

To confirm his suspicions, rudder cable tension was checked on another aircraft and was found to be well out-of-limits.  This resulted in the entire CT142 fleet being declared unserviceable and all control cables were inspected and adjusted.

In addition, MWO Robbins believed this check more logically belonged in the survey phase when panels are removed and the systems are  accessible. He diligently staffed periodic task card amendments to include specific direction to check cable tensions during the survey phase.

Using his extensive technical experience on the CT142, MWO Robbins was able to identify the root cause of a problem that affected the entire fleet and develop corrective measures to maintenance procedures to ensure the safety of the CT142 flight control system.

Above: During informal Christmas activities, Col Yvan Boilard, Wing Commander, left, presents Capt Robbins with his award.

Photo: 2Lt David Lee