Damaged Lithium Battery Shipment on a Twin Otter
An AME is preparing a DHC-6 Twin Otter for a cargo flight from Port Moresby to Wewak. The load includes drums of aviation fuel, oxygen cylinders, and a package labelled 'lithium ion batteries' with no shipper's declaration. The loadmaster asks the AME to sign the load sheet because the AME is the only licensed person available. The AME's licence is airframe and engine; it does not include dangerous goods acceptance. The package is damaged and one battery is visibly swollen. The operator's dangerous goods manual is not available, and the loadmaster says the flight is urgent because a hospital needs the batteries. The aircraft has a cargo compartment with a smoke detection system but no fire suppression.
1. What are the AME's responsibilities and limits in this situation?
Read the worked answer
The AME's licence covers maintenance, not dangerous goods acceptance. Dangerous goods acceptance is a separate function requiring training and, in many cases, a specific authorisation. The AME should not sign the load sheet as a DG acceptance. The loadmaster is asking the AME to certify something outside his competence and privileges. The AME can assist with technical questions about the aircraft, but the DG decision must be made by a trained and authorised person.
2. What should happen before the flight?
Read the worked answer
The package is damaged and a battery is swollen. It must not be loaded. Lithium batteries are dangerous goods; damaged or defective cells can catch fire. The shipper's declaration is missing, so the shipment is undocumented. The operator's DG manual is not available, which is itself a problem. The AME should advise the loadmaster and the operator's DG coordinator, isolate the package, and ensure it is handled by trained personnel. The flight should not depart with the package. CASA PNG should be notified if there is an undeclared or damaged DG shipment. The hospital's urgency does not override safety.
3. What are the regulatory and safety consequences of loading the package?
Read the worked answer
Loading damaged lithium batteries without a declaration could be a serious violation of the dangerous goods rules and the Civil Aviation Act. It could lead to fire, toxic smoke, and loss of the aircraft. The AME could face enforcement if he signed outside his authority. The operator could face penalties and loss of DG approval. The correct action is to stop, document, report, and let trained DG staff decide whether the shipment can be made safe.