Indeed, one does not remove panels from an A/C without good reason,the "skin" is actually a Q/D panel that covers the lower cargo door lockshaft mechanism and is frequently damaged during cargo loading /unloading operations, no doubt the panel has been damaged and removed IAW the provisions of the config deviation guide which allows the a/c quite legally to be released and to operate for a perod of time until a spare has been proccured ,needless to say if no release was posible under the MEL/CDG then the a/c would not be released for service, hope this clears the mystery up and puts everyones mind at rest
