Engineering Investigation (EI) Program

The EI program was established under NAVAIR direction to conduct technical engineering investigations on failed materials. These investigations include identifying causes and contributing factors and recommending required corrective actions.

PURPOSE.- The EI program is applicable to all aircraft and weapons systems, subsystems, equipment, components, related support equipment (SE), special tools, and fluids/materials used in the operation of the equipment. The EI program accomplishes the following objectives: l Provides an investigation process to determine the cause and extent of fleet-reported material failures. l Supports the investigation of material associated with aircraft mishaps, lightning strikes, electromagnetic interference, and stray voltage problems. 

l Provides for investigation of components rejected through the Joint Oil Analysis Program (JOAP). 

l Supports the scheduled removal component (SRC), assembly service record (ASR), equipment history record (EHR), and module service record(MSR) programs by providing for the investigation of high-time and on-condition components/assemblies to confirm, revise, or initiate component/assembly operating times.

. Provides for engineering assistance relating to any fleet material problem.

. Supports the mandatory investigation requirements for activated aircraft escape systems as listed in OPNAV Instruction 3750.6.

Three different types of EIs may be conducted. They are the disassembly and inspection, material analysis, and engineering assistance.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ORIGINATING ACTIVITY.- The activity must submit the EI request under one or more of the following conditions: . Safety is involved . Additional technical or engineering information is required to complete an aircraft mishap investigation. 

l Aircraft readiness is seriously impaired because of poor material reliability. 

. A component is rejected through the JOAP after authorized repairs are attempted and exhausted at the organizational and intermediate maintenance level. 

l When directed by higher authority.

The originating activity must submit the EI request by routine precedence message within 5 working days after discovery of the deficiency. However, if the EI request is combined with a Hazardous Material Report (HMR), follow the reporting criteria for the HMR.

NOTE: Refer to OPNAVINST 4790.2 for HMR procedures.

Include the supporting supply department and, for DLRs, the designated support point (DSP) as info addressees on the EI message. Turn in the defective material to the supporting supply department unless it is environmentally sensitive. Hold environmentally sensitive material in the unit storage area pending disposition instructions from competent authority.

SUPPORTING SUPPLY DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBILITY.- The supporting supply department holds defective EI material until disposition instructions are received from the cognizant field activity (CFA) or other directing authority. Material should be marked with the words Holding 30 Days for Investigation and be held in supply for a maximum of 30 days. If disposition instructions are not received within this time frame, request disposition instructions from the CFA. If the investigation is needed, the maintenance engineering cognizant field activity (MECFA) may request the holding activity to ship the defective material. Ship the material in an "as is" condition. When a hazardous condition is evident, supply personnel perform only those tasks necessary to protect the material while it is being forwarded.

The following procedures apply when shipping material as EI exhibit: 

l Special care must be taken to cap/package material immediately upon removal from the system to prevent corrosion, contamination or other damage that may contribute to confusion or loss of possible cause factors. 

. Do not attempt disassembly of material, make adjustments, or perform any type of cleaning. 

. When contamination is suspected, forward samples of the fluid in a clean, sealed container. 

. Forward all failed fragments. Do not try to reassemble. Wrap fragments separately to prevent damage by movement of one against another. 

l When feasible, forward associated accessories, components, or material that may be suspected of contributing to the malfunction/mishap. 

l Package all material to at least the same level of protection as RFI parts. Do not transport EI material loose in boxes or on truck beds or packaged with other items.

. Mark all containers and associated documents Engineering Investigation. On the DD Form 1348-1 (in the Ship To block), enter Investigation Material, the EI control number, or any other identifying numbers as directed by the CFA. Stamp or mark the notation EI in 3-inch letters on the face of the document without obliterating any vital data elements. c Parcel post shipments must be registered. MPD 03, Military Standard Transportation and Movement Procedures (MILSTAMP) priority 1, is assigned to material being shipped for investigation. Reject code 754 is assigned for all MILSTAMP transactions involving investigations. Use document identifier BEI and condition code L on the DD Form 1348-1 shipment document. Enter the El control number on block P of the DD Form 1348-1. Include the contract number in the Remarks block of the DD Form 1348-1 and provide a copy to the NAVICP-Phil.

NOTE: Any material to be released to a contractor's representative or shipped directly to the contractor's plant must be processed through the

supporting supply department. The supply department can issue the material on a custody basis only when authorized by the MECFA. Ship all DLR exhibits via the ATAC Hub for processing and transshipment to the commercial site.

Refer to OPNAV Instruction 4790.2 (NAMP) for additional information concerning EIs. The NAVSUPINST 4440.187 contains additional detailed policy and procedures for control of DLRs forwarded for investigations.