QUICK STOPPERS

Mobility Forum, Sep/Oct 2004 by Spindler, Scott

Thump...

Mysterious aircraft "thumps" may be more serious than first believed. A crew was performing their initial climb out on a training mission when they heard an unusual "thumping" sound coming from the aircraft. Initially, they assumed the noise was coming from the landing gear as the gear was retracted following takeoff.

However, their systematic analysis revealed the number two engine was running about 60 degrees warmer than the number one engine, but was still in normal operating parameters. Three more "thumps" were heard as the crew reached the initial level off altitude.

by Maj Mike Wahler, AMC/SEF

After his last refueling of the mission, the pilot exited the flight deck of his mighty Stratotanker to obtain a bottle of water from the galley for consumption on the trip home. Sounds harmless enough. We all have certain physiological needs; food, sleep, and water, to name a few. As the pilot was standing up after grabbing the water, his partner up front executed a climbing right turn to exit the refueling track. The pilot lost his balance, fell over backwards and hit his skull on the floor of the aircraft. He got up and returned to his assigned post ready to finish the mission, but complained of a splitting headache (big surprise). Shortly thereafter he complained of nausea and vomited. He went to the rear of the aircraft and his fellow crewmembers looked after him.

As a precaution, the crew terminated the sortie and returned to base. Maintenance personnel found rub marks on the fan blades in the turbine section and metal shavings in the aft part of the engine.

The crew's effective ORM and prompt actions prevented catastrophic engine failure and potentially a much more serious mishap. A word to the wise: Our aircraft provide feedback (thumbs, squeaks, whistles, hums, etc.), but sometimes it is subtle. Don't discount those little noises; they might be precursors to serious problems.

. . .Bump

One of his fellow crew members then stated he noticed some blood on the pilot's head prior to his no-notice illness.

Although this mishap could primarily be listed as just a bad day, there are some lessons learned. For starters, it's not a bad idea to be strapped down or holding on to something, if possible, at all times on a moving aircraft. You never know what it's going to do next. second, if you fall and get hurt, especially if you hurt your bean, it's a good idea to have your crew check you out prior to assuming aircrew duties. Third, if you notice one of your fellow crew members bleeding, mention it. They may not be aware of the fact and it could vastly change your plan for RTB. FLY SAFE!

by Maj Scott Spindler; AMC/SEF