KC-135 Pressurization Maintenance Mishap Slide Show

There is a correction at the end of the text description, that seems to correct the transcript.


Transcript of text read by Steven Hawkins. Joking; it really isn't Steven Hawkins

What a mess, it is a miracle nobody was injured.


This is an example of what happens when we do not pay attention to detail, and do not follow instructions and checklists! A KC-135 Aircraft was being pressurized at ground level. The outflow valves which are used to regulate the pressure of the aircraft were capped off during a 5 year overhaul and never opened back up. The post-investigation revealed: that a civilian depot technician who, "had always done it that way," was using a homemade gauge, and no procedure. The technician's gauge didn't even have a max "peg" for the needle and so it was no surprise he missed it when the needle went around the gauge the first time. As the technician continued to pressurize the aircraft, and as the needle was on its second trip around the gauge the aircraft went "boom" - the rear hatch was blown over 70 yards away, behind a blast fence!


An incident like this is never funny and is further regrettable when we consider that this mistake is one that we (the taxpayers) will end up paying for. Fortunately, no one was reported as being injured. This was a good "Lessons Learned" for making sure we have trained people, who have the right tools, and who are following detailed procedures. And it should serve as a reminder that just because you've always done it that way, it does not make it the "right" way!

---------

Allegedly by HerkMeck

(I took the liberty of rewording)

Allegedly:
Ground man suffered back injuries, the crew inside aircraft had the eardrums ruptured. The pressure relief valves were installed BACKWARDS, which would in effect block the venting air.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Explosive
• Decompression
• KC-135
• Pressurization
• Mishap
• Safety

[HerkMeck]

This video and thread are full of mistruths, misunderstandings, and false hoods. Ground man suffered back injuries, the crew inside aircraft had the eardrums ruptured. The pressure relief vavles were not capped, they were installed BACKWARDS! The entire maintenace on this aircraft was called into question.  Oaklahoma base, Tinker AFB Depot level maintenace.

[ATFSCrash]

Thanks HerkMeck

It wouldn't surprise me if you're right. I have always have been suspicious of the wording "no REPORTED injuries". The wording seems to suggest that there were possible unreported injuries. Putting the valve in backwards would in effect be blocking the venting air. I preferred your wording, however it should also include the knowledge that that in effect blocks the air.

[manbird12000]

What aboout the Pressure relief valves which are supposed to protect against overpressure?

[ATFSCrash]

The outflow valves which are used to regulate the pressure of the aircraft were capped off during a 5 year overhaul and never opened back up.

[oisiaa2006]

Great job Microsoft Sam

[ATFSCrash]

Good Guess. I used WillowTalk's Steve. I think it is the same voice synthesizer that Steven Hawking used.

[peteb3527]

Ok, thanks for the commentary Stephen Hawking...

[zee339]

I didn't know Stephen Hawking did voiceovers. Cool.

[s11033]

read the side bar

[normanmj]

It was in depot here at the OC-ALC (Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center). Work was being performed by Air Force Civilians.

[Airforceproud95]

is that really steven hawking?

or text-to-speech thing

[Treblaine]

Steven Hawking speaks the truth, listen up Congress, this Theoretical Physicist know his shit when it comes to safety procedures.

[MrRottenApple]

I thought the same thing.

Stephen, your an animal!

[marcducati]

lol

[buckeyemike20]

Ah, reminds me of tech school.

[McCharlie]

I love the guard bashers... The national guard C130 unit in Bagram has the higest FMC rate of any airframe in the whole country, including the other active duty 130 units. I love our avtive air force, but there is something for you to chew on.