January 14, 2013, 1:55 PM
The FAA is proposing a $275,000 civil penalty against Pinnacle Airlines of Memphis for allegedly operating a Bombardier CRJ900 on 11 flights without all required parts fitted. According to the FAA, Pinnacle mechanics failed to replace a part required in the approved aircraft maintenance manual when they replaced the aircrafts right engine. A source close to the Pinnacle flight crew told AIN on condition of anonymity that the missing part was the second engine mount used to hold the powerplant in place.
On a leg between Atlanta and Belize, the source said, Pinnacles dispatch team ordered the crew to return the aircraft to Atlanta with no reason given. Because of deteriorating weather in Atlanta, the crew suggested a different diversion point, but was told the landing airport needed to be a Pinnacle maintenance base. The crew landed safely at Knoxville, Tenn. The crew did not learn the specifics of the maintenance issue until after landing.
The 11 flights took place on Oct. 25, 26 and 27, 2010.
The FAA is proposing a $275,000 civil penalty against Pinnacle Airlines of Memphis for allegedly operating a Bombardier CRJ900 on 11 flights without all required parts fitted. According to the FAA, Pinnacle mechanics failed to replace a part required in the approved aircraft maintenance manual when they replaced the aircrafts right engine. A source close to the Pinnacle flight crew told AIN on condition of anonymity that the missing part was the second engine mount used to hold the powerplant in place.
On a leg between Atlanta and Belize, the source said, Pinnacles dispatch team ordered the crew to return the aircraft to Atlanta with no reason given. Because of deteriorating weather in Atlanta, the crew suggested a different diversion point, but was told the landing airport needed to be a Pinnacle maintenance base. The crew landed safely at Knoxville, Tenn. The crew did not learn the specifics of the maintenance issue until after landing.
The 11 flights took place on Oct. 25, 26 and 27, 2010.