If maintenance on rotating machinery is delayed, what could be a likely consequence?

The selected answer accurately reflects that delaying maintenance on rotating machinery can lead to an increased risk of unexpected failures. Regular maintenance is essential for identifying wear and tear, ensuring that all components are functioning properly, and addressing any potential issues before they escalate into more significant problems. When maintenance is postponed, the likelihood of machinery malfunctioning unexpectedly rises, which can result in costly repairs, unplanned downtime, and even safety hazards for the crew.

The other options do not effectively represent the consequences of delayed maintenance. For example, reduced machinery downtime would be counter-intuitive, as neglecting maintenance typically leads to more frequent breakdowns, which increases downtime rather than reducing it. Enhanced operational safety is also unlikely to occur with deferred maintenance, as equipment failures can pose serious safety risks. Similarly, improved crew productivity is not a result of delayed maintenance; in fact, unexpected machinery failures can lead to disruptions that hinder productivity, requiring crews to spend time addressing emergencies instead of performing their regular duties.