Russian federal air transport regulator Rosaviatsia has revoked the maintenance certificate of Siberia’s Angara Airlines, days after the carrier suffered a fatal Antonov An-24 accident.
The decision follows an unscheduled inspection of the Irkutsk-based airline’s facilities by transport supervisory authority Rostransnadzor.
Rosaviatsia says the inspection turned up “violations” in Angara’s technical maintenance activities.
“Documentation was drawn up without the actual performance of work, and the necessary tools and equipment were not used,” it adds.
Rosaviatsia says representatives of the airline “agreed” with the findings, and other issues, during a meeting with Rostransnadzor.
It adds that the carrier has not been able to offer a complete list of measures addressing the risks of recurrence.
Rosaviatsia has not specified whether the findings bear any particular relevance to the 24 July crash, near Tynda in the Amur region of Russia, which left no survivors.
The aircraft had been operating a service to Tynda from Blagoveshchensk.
Angara must use the services of approved third-party organisations for aircraft and component maintenance as a result of the regulatory decision.
The airline has acknowledged the maintenance certificate “cancellation”, but has informed passengers that it is continuing to operate flights.
“Certified third-party organisations will be involved in providing pre-flight maintenance of aircraft,” adds Angara.
“Owing to the current situation, some flights will be cancelled, and flight delays are possible.”
Angara states that passengers’ rights remain in place for those whose flights are affected.
