9/9/2009
NEWS BRIEFS
Airline Could Face Multi-Million Dollar Fine for Improper Fastener Repairs

American Airlines faces the potential for a multi-million fine by the Federal Aviation Administration over allegedly improper fastener repairs to at least 16 aircraft, the Wall Street Journal reports.

“FAA officials suspect that one of those planes was abruptly retired to get it out of sight of government inspectors,” writes Andy Pasztor of the Journal.

The FAA reportedly launched a probe several months ago over “allegations that incorrect fasteners, improperly drilled holes, related poor workmanship and other maintenance lapses” have occurred in some of American’s fleet of MD-80 series jets, the Journal reports.

Preliminary findings indicate at least 16 of the twin-engine planes reportedly were operated for months with substandard repairs to cracks around rear pressure bulkheads, which can cause rapid cabin decompression if they rupture.

The latest case is viewed as particularly serious because some FAA inspectors suspect American’s sudden retirement of one plane “was part of an effort to hide the extent of suspected defects.”

Company documents reviewed by the Journal show the plane was ferried to Roswell, NM, for storage.

American “pulled the 16 planes from service once it realized repairs were needed,” Pasztor writes. “But some FAA officials fault it for waiting too long and then hurriedly retiring a plane already under FAA scrutiny.”

American maintains the company discovered the potentially improper fasteners and voluntarily reported this information to the FAA. ©2009 GlobalFastenerNews.com

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