A mechanic and inspector report they failed to notice a pitch disconnect handle on the center consol...

Narrative:

Routine overnight (ron) [maintenance]. During post flight; checked flight deck gauges if operating correctly when 'press to test.' fuel gauge when 'press to test' [found] inoperative. Informed one lead mechanic X; who was on shift that morning and informed the lead mechanic Y; of aircraft Y. I was told to swap the number-1 fuel gauge with a new one but to first remove the pitch handle to install [fuel gauge]. Lead mechanic assigned me to someone to assist and to train me on how to remove and install the pitch handle.I was told that avionics had a gate call and they discovered the problem with the pitch handle being installed in the wrong orientation. Weekend aging aircraft [check]; stressful atmosphere and hectic; being trained by one mechanic and two lead mechanics at the same time. The supervisor was notified about the situation; went about the correct procedures and notified me; so I could fill out the safety report form. [I suggest] making sure the correct references are used; be trained by one lead and be more careful next time.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: A Mechanic and Inspector report they failed to notice a pitch disconnect handle on the center console of a DHC-8-300 aircraft; had been re-installed 90-degrees out of position; after replacement of the Number-1 fuel level gauge. Flight crew had noticed the incorrect position a few days later.

Narrative: Routine Overnight (RON) [Maintenance]. During post flight; checked flight deck gauges if operating correctly when 'press to test.' Fuel gauge when 'press to test' [found] inoperative. Informed one Lead Mechanic X; who was on shift that morning and informed the Lead Mechanic Y; of Aircraft Y. I was told to swap the Number-1 fuel gauge with a new one but to first remove the pitch handle to install [fuel gauge]. Lead Mechanic assigned me to someone to assist and to train me on how to remove and install the pitch handle.I was told that Avionics had a gate call and they discovered the problem with the pitch handle being installed in the wrong orientation. Weekend aging aircraft [check]; stressful atmosphere and hectic; being trained by one Mechanic and two Lead mechanics at the same time. The Supervisor was notified about the situation; went about the correct procedures and notified me; so I could fill out the safety report form. [I suggest] making sure the correct references are used; be trained by one Lead and be more careful next time.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.

Attributes
ACN	950116
Time
Date	201105
Local Time Of Day	0601-1200
Place
Locale Reference	ZZZ.Airport
State Reference	US
Environment
Light	Daylight
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	Dash 8-300
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 121
Flight Phase	Parked
Component
Aircraft Component	Propeller Control
Person 1
Function	Technician
Qualification	Maintenance Powerplant Maintenance Airframe
Person 2
Function	Inspector
Qualification	Maintenance Airframe Maintenance Powerplant
Events
Anomaly	Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe Deviation - Procedural Published Material / Policy

A mechanic and inspector report they failed to notice a pitch disconnect handle on the center console of a dhc-8-300 aircraft; had been re-installed 90-degrees out of position; after replacement of the number-1 fuel level gauge. Flight crew had noticed the incorrect position a few days later.