Missing Screw on Engine Casing?
 

I just returned from a short turbo-prop (j41) segment where I happened to notice that one of the screws on the engine casing was missing. Is this something that I should have been worried about?

I raised with with the FA when I departed but it got me thinking - is this something that I should have (or in the future, should) raise with the crew before departure. (I didn't notice this time).

If by casing you mean the sheet metal (cowling) covering the engine then one screw missing is most likely not a problem.

A leading edge of a panel would be subject to more air forces than say a rear or side edge. But even then if enough fasteners remain to secure the panel then little is likely to happen.

I have many years experience in aviation maintenance. The real evidence is what did happen with the panel and missing screw?

No ill effects...! And it was in the middle of the panel not at the leading edge.. Just struck me as a bit odd and not exactly what you wanted to see when gawping out of the window at 22,000 ft a couple hundred miles from land :D

Are you just talking about the screws that hold the panels to the engine, e.g. such as the part seen opened here? If so, aircraft engines that have panels attached by screws instead of latches typically have many screws holding them on, and there are regulations as to how many can be missing. Depending upon the panel, a single one missing probably would not be an issue. There was probably an entry in the maintenance chart noting it and to have it replaced when next due.
http://www.scienceclarified.com/imag...06_img0329.jpg

BTW, missing screws, open and exposed sensitive areas, coincidence?!

Remember the long fall won't hurt.

"It ain't the fall what kills ya- it's the sudden stop!" - Benny Hill (at least that's where I'd heard it)

Nah.... nothing bad could happen
http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/4820/...ghtdamaged.jpg

Okay, back to being serious. A missing screw or two is usually not a problem.

Bet it is still running.

And think about it, only 3 or 4 bolts holds that engine to the pylon.

Although the wind chill might be a bit harsh for the first 20,000 feet or so. :o

Here is how Cebu Pacific Airlines (Philippines) fixes the problem of missing screws.

http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/x...n/P1130222.jpg

You would be surprised as to how often high speed tape is used on commercial aircraft in service. The most frequent that I have seen is when a new windows s put in the cockpit, it is used to cover the sealant around the window to allow it to dry properly.