Three mechanics report a required spacer was not installed at the aft cap position on the aft side o...

Attributes
ACN	992450
Time
Date	201201
Local Time Of Day	1801-2400
Place
Locale Reference	ZZZ.Airport
State Reference	US
Environment
Light	Night
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	Jet/Long Ranger/206
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 135
Flight Phase	Parked
Component
Aircraft Component	Gearbox
Person 1
Function	Technician
Qualification	Maintenance Airframe
Experience	Maintenance Technician 11.5
Person 2
Function	Technician
Qualification	Maintenance Airframe
Experience	Maintenance Technician 5
Events
Anomaly	Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical Deviation - Procedural Published Material / Policy

Narrative:

During an engine replacement the freewheeling unit's aft cap was installed without the proper spacer. I believe this was missed due to weather conditions; the remote location; and being at night (worked with flashlights and plug-in lamps). The question of if the spacer was installed or not was even asked; with the mechanic installing the aft cap stating 'yes; it's there'. However I was working on another part of the engine and was not involved with the assembly of the freewheeling unit. I do know from now on; any time there is a question; everyone working on the task at hand will stop and double check each other.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Three mechanics report a required spacer was not installed at the aft cap position on the aft side of a Bell 206L-3 helicopter's engine gearbox case during an engine change; outside; at night; in cold temperatures with limited lighting and communication terminology issues.

Narrative: During an engine replacement the freewheeling unit's aft cap was installed without the proper spacer. I believe this was missed due to weather conditions; the remote location; and being at night (worked with flashlights and plug-in lamps). The question of if the spacer was installed or not was even asked; with the Mechanic installing the aft cap stating 'yes; it's there'. However I was working on another part of the engine and was not involved with the assembly of the freewheeling unit. I do know from now on; any time there is a question; everyone working on the task at hand will stop and double check each other.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of July 2013 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.

Three mechanics report a required spacer was not installed at the aft cap position on the aft side of a bell 206L-3 helicopter's engine gearbox case during an engine change; outside; at night; in cold temperatures with limited lighting and communication terminology issues.