We’ve all heard the age-old question: “Which came first – the chicken or the egg?” The question itself seems simple enough, but is it really? How can one happen without the other? Like life in general, it’s complicated and not so straightforward. Similar circumstances can pose difficulties for the accident investigator, too. Which came first the fatigue cracking or the corrosion? For example, take a look at the Atlantic Southeast Flight 529, Embraer EMB 120RT, N256AS/FAA (Links to an external site.) accident to see their result, based on evidence.
https://lessonslearned.faa.gov/ll_main.cfm?TabID=2&LifeCycleID=3&LLID=75
Assume you are the Director of Quality at No-Name Airlines. You are tasked to manage the Continuing Analysis and Surveillance System (CASS) program for this air carrier. No-Name Airlines operates the same make and model aircraft (Embraer EMB-120RT) as the one in this fatal accident. Your goal is to prevent any such occurrence at No-Name Airlines. You have some searing questions regarding this accident since you are looking at this event as an outsider (i.e., no first-hand experience at Atlantic Southeast Airlines or the accident investigation). Some questions that come to mind might include the following:
Was there a manufacturing flaw?
Did the maintenance team perform a flaw or failed to follow procedures or work processes?
Did the inspection department fail to detect an anomaly during the component inspection/overhaul?
Was the failure due to fatigue that led to corrosion that exacerbated the article in question?
Did corrosion lead to fatigue cracking of the related component?
As a proclaimed ‘safety advocate’, you desperately want to ensure that measures are put in place at No-Name Airlines which should mitigate such an occurrence on its fleet of EMB-120RT aircraft. After a thorough review of the Atlantic Southeast accident of Flight 529, you develop a strategy to mitigate the risk(s) involved in your organization. You consider possibly reinforcing the following areas:
Greater emphasis on oversight of contracted maintenance providers/vendors, if work is performed off-site;
Possibly evaluate current inspection techniques, tooling, special equipment, and inspector training;
Possibly evaluate past component reliability, failure trends (malfunctions/defects), while noting any anomalies, particularly regarding the failed component involved in the Atlantic Southeast accident;
Re-evaluate current inspection programs for No-Name’s EMB-120RT fleet, particularly regarding the failed component involved in the Atlantic Southeast accident;
Examine current operational parameters, particularly regarding the failed component involved in the Atlantic Southeast accident; and
Any other areas you feel should be included in your assessment of No-Name’s risk mitigation strategy.
You need to brief the President and CEO of No-Name Airlines to let them know how you’re protecting their organization from repeating the same or similar events that befell Atlantic Southeast Flight 529. Choose your method of communicating this information; it can be either a short essay, a presentation (with narration or notes), or a video.
Rubric
Context
Provides an effective overview/introduction and develops a coherent, central theme that is expressed in a well-structured, organized, and logically-consistent manner throughout.
Analysis
Comprehensively identifies and analyzes key issues and relationships between factors with real-world examples and accurate details; assumptions and missing information are revealed and addressed.
Evaluation
Presents a strong, well-supported argument based on relevant concepts, theories, and frameworks that presents new ideas and makes accurate outcome predictions (when applicable) with creativity and insightfulness; offers possible, alternative interpretations and considers multiple perspectives..
Knowledge and Comprehension
Uses significant examples, exhibits, evidence, research, and/or data from course content and from valid, external information sources throughout.
Application
Formulates a resolution, recommendations, and/or action plan that include possible consequences and outcome scenarios.
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMechanics
Mechanics of style should enhance content understanding, and writing skillfully supports the message and is in required format. Citations and references present and IAW APA.
Last Completed Projects
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