Airliner grounded by hydraulic fluid leak

Background 

Although the plane had twin hydraulic loops, the critical nature of the damage meant the plane had to remain grounded. In the case of Aircraft On Ground (AOG), quick response times are essential. Ideally, action should be taken within 12 hours.  

The level of a plane’s availability is an essential factor in an airline’s profitability.

How Stelliant proceeded

After observing the hydraulic fluid leak, the airline notified the aircraft manufacturer and the principal Original Equipment Manufacturer so that work could be scheduled as soon as possible. The goal was to reduce the risks and regain an optimal level of aircraft availability (over 95%), while limiting operational losses as much as possible. 

A loss adjuster specialising in aeronautical machinery from the Stelliant Group urgently made his way to the site to work alongside technicians already on the scene. He was able to make essential preliminary observations, collect different technical details and cross-checks with the airplane’s blueprints. This was essential to understand the origin of the problem. 

This investigative work started even before his arrival on site. The loss adjuster had already laid his hands on other documents, such as the aircraft’s maintenance logs. The ability to gather as much information as possible in a short time can prove decisive in cases of AOG. 

The part causing the hydraulic fluid leak was replaced and immediately sent to be analysed in a laboratory. Stelliant relies on a network of aeronautical experts who are renowned for their experience and highly technical skills. The research into the cause of failure was carried out with all stakeholders involved. 

The aeronautical loss adjuster was also able to count on the assistance of a financial loss adjuster to accurately assess the operational losses caused by the grounding of the plane. Such technical and financial expertise is critical in this highly competitive sector, where every second lost comes at a heavy price.