scope:

Description of Driving Event:

Following the shuttle mission STS-27, the right side orbital maneuvering system (OMS) pod carrier panel on the orbiter OV-104 was missing. It was concluded that the panel was installed incorrectly. Six flat washers were not installed under the mounting fasteners. This caused damage to the base panel material upon installation. The panel became loose during flight, produced a gap, and was pulled off by the air flow. No additional damage was sustained by the orbiter thermal protection system or other orbiter components. The panel installation procedures did not clearly identify the requirement for the washers. The procedures were revised to include the steps for installing the washers. Approximately 100 orbiter panels of similar configuration were recommended for inspection to assure this anomaly was not present elsewhere within the orbiter fleet.