United Airlines' Legacy and Lessons from the Recent Tire Incident

To many, the recent United Airlines (UAL) incident may be a normal one that has happened many times before with other airlines, but to me, it was shocking news when I read it today since UAL represents the symbol of the Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) which was driven by safety!

Before exploring the recent incident involving a United Airlines plane departing from San Francisco International Airport, it's essential to acknowledge the pivotal role that United Airlines has played in developing Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM).

United Airlines and RCM Development

United Airlines has been a trailblazer in the evolution of Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM), a methodology designed to optimize the reliability, safety, and cost-effectiveness of complex systems. Dating back to the late 1960s and early 1970s, United Airlines, in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the operator-maintenance steering group (OMSG), actively contributed to shaping RCM principles. The primary goal then, as it remains today, was to enhance safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness in aviation.

The RCM process involves several key steps, including:

1.?Identification of Critical Functions:

Determining the functions that are most critical for the system's overall performance and safety.

2.?Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA):

Analyzing potential failure modes and their consequences on critical functions.

3.?Maintenance Task Selection:

Choosing the most appropriate maintenance tasks, whether they are reactive (corrective), proactive (preventive), or a combination of both.

4. Optimizing Maintenance Frequencies:

Determining the most effective and efficient maintenance intervals based on the identified failure modes and consequences.

United Airlines' involvement in the development of RCM helped establish it as a valuable methodology not only in aviation but also in various other industries, such as manufacturing, energy, and transportation. The principles of RCM have been widely adopted to enhance the reliability and safety of complex systems across different sectors.

The Recent Incident: An Unexpected Setback

Fast forward to the present, a United Airlines flight departing from San Francisco International Airport experienced an unexpected incident that prompts a reevaluation of RCM principles and their application.

Incident Overview

On Thursday 07th of March 2024, at approximately 11:35 a.m. PST, United Flight 35, bound for Osaka, Japan, encountered an unforeseen setback shortly after takeoff. One of its six landing gear tires dislodged, prompting the aircraft's crew to divert to Los Angeles International Airport for an emergency landing. Remarkably, no injuries were reported among the 249 passengers and crew members on board.

You can see a short video about the incident here

While the aircraft landed safely at Los Angeles International Airport, the detached tire caused damage to several vehicles in an employee parking lot at San Francisco International Airport. Fortunately, no injuries were reported on the ground, underscoring the effectiveness of safety measures and emergency protocols.

RCM Reflection: Lessons Learned

In the wake of this incident, it is imperative to reflect on the principles of Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) and extract valuable lessons from this unexpected event.

As an RCM trainer, I find myself contemplating the recent incident involving United Flight 35 with a mix of concern and admiration. While the cause of the accident is yet to be determined, this incident serves as a stark reminder that even with robust maintenance programs, unforeseen incidents can still occur. It emphasizes the necessity of continuous improvement, stringent adherence to maintenance protocols, and a proactive approach to safety.

Lessons Learned: Safety, Maintenance, and Reliability

1.?Constant Vigilance:

Safety remains paramount, and organizations, regardless of their expertise in RCM, must continuously monitor and identify potential risks to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all stakeholders.

2. Effective Risk Assessment:

Robust risk assessment processes, including tools such as Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), are crucial for identifying vulnerabilities and implementing appropriate mitigation strategies.

3. Maintenance Procedures:

Rigorous adherence to maintenance procedures and protocols established by RCM practices is essential. Proactive measures, such as regular inspections, preventive maintenance, and timely component replacements, are critical for minimizing the risk of incidents and maintaining airworthiness.

4. Human Factors Consideration:

Recognizing the role of human factors in system reliability, the incident prompts a review of training programs to ensure that maintenance and ground personnel are adequately trained to identify and address potential issues effectively.

5.?Continuous Improvement:

Even industry leaders like United Airlines must embrace a continuous improvement mindset. Analyzing incidents, conducting root cause analyses, and implementing corrective actions help refine maintenance protocols and further enhance safety and reliability.

Lessons in Resilience and Preparedness

1. Safety Protocols Save Lives:

The incident underscores the critical importance of rigorous safety protocols. From the moment the tire detached, the flight crew executed their training flawlessly. Their swift decision to divert to the nearest airport ensured that potential risks were mitigated before embarking on a long overseas flight. As RCM practitioners, we must continually emphasize the value of adherence to safety procedures.

2. Resilience in the Face of Adversity:

The professionalism and calm demeanor displayed by aviation professionals during high-stress situations exemplify the core principles of RCM. Adaptability and resourcefulness are key attributes.

?3.?Design for Resilience:

The incident highlights the importance of robust design, showcasing the Boeing 777-200's ability to land safely despite the missing tire. Similar principles in maintenance practices must consider redundancy, fail-safes, and graceful degradation.

4.?Collaboration Across Disciplines:

Safety extends beyond the aircraft, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between flight crews, ground staff, and maintenance personnel. RCM trainers must stress cross-functional communication and teamwork.

United Airlines and the Path Forward

United Airlines, with its rich history in RCM development, now faces an opportunity for continuous improvement. Large organizations, especially those at the forefront of RCM evolution, must reaffirm their commitment to safety and reliability. Learning from incidents is crucial for evolving maintenance practices and enhancing overall system reliability.

Conclusion

United Airlines' recent tire incident shows that even the best of the RCM industry can face unexpected events. This incident highlights the need for unwavering attention to safety, ongoing risk assessments, precise adherence to maintenance procedures, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Incorporating these lessons, major organizations like United Airlines can continue driving progress in RCM. They can create strategies that put safety, maintenance, and reliability first. The incident serves as a constant reminder of the vital importance of safety and reliability. Adhering to proven principles of RCM empowers organizations to optimize their operations and ensure the well-being of their passengers.

As we reflect on this incident, let it serve as a reminder of the ongoing commitment to safety and reliability. By applying RCM principles and leveraging lessons learned, we can collectively move towards a safer and more reliable future in all industries.

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#RCM #AviationSafety #MaintenanceExcellence #ContinuousImprovement #UnitedAirlines