I used to skip torque checks on connector backshells. Not anymore after what happened in June.

For years I figured if the connector felt tight by hand, that was good enough. I would twist the backshell until it stopped and call it done. Then back in June we had a 737 come back with an intermittent fault in the pitot static system. Turned out a backshell on the air data computer connector was only finger tight. The vibration during flight had let it walk loose just enough to cause resistance changes. That plane had to be pulled from service for two days while we traced the issue. Now I use a torque screwdriver on every single backshell I touch, even the small ones. It adds maybe 30 seconds per connector but I have not had a single return since. Has anyone else had a similar problem with loose connectors after a flight?

2 comments

2 Comments

william81617d ago

Learned that lesson the hard way on my motorcycle once. Hand tightening just doesn't cut it when things start shaking.

riley86017d agoTop Commenter

Wait you actually trusted hand tight on a bike motor?!