By David Learmount in London
Information released by the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) shows there was pilot discontent with maintenance practices at Chalk’s Ocean Airways for some time before last year’s 19 December Grumman Turbo Mallard crash near Miami. The aircraft suffered wing structural failure just after take-off from Watson’s Island seaplane base and all 20 people on board were killed.
The NTSB has not yet given a probable cause for the catastrophe, but shortly after the event NTSB acting chairman Mark Rosenker said the wing main spar had failed at a fatigue crack: “This crack appears to extend through a majority of the [right wing] spar at the location of the separation [the wing root]. It is not yet clear whether the separation was precipitated by another event, such as an engine or propeller problem or turbulence, or if it failed spontaneously.”
The investigation has progressed since then, and statements have been taken from Chalk’s pilots, one of whom, Robert Lutz, has told the NTSB: “There was a widespread perception that pilot complaints were not properly addressed by maintenance and that it was often necessary to write up the same problem repeatedly until it was fixed.’’
Three pilots say they quit Chalk’s because of worries about maintenance, says the NTSB. The contents of a resignation letter dated 13 January 2005 from Grady Washatka have been released by the NTSB. It claims there was “blatant neglect” in all areas of maintenance, but adds: “We love this company and we are trying to avoid the inevitable disaster that will ensue if these issues are not addressed.” The husband of Michele Marks, the crash flight’s captain, has told investigators that his wife frequently expressed concern about maintenance.
Source: Flight International
