Air Crash Engine Claims `wrong'
Illawarra Mercury
Wednesday June 6, 2001
Federal Transport Minister John Anderson has rejected aviation commentator Dick Smith's claim that Whyalla Airlines was allowed to delay engine overhauls before its fatal crash.
The former Civil Aviation Safety Authority chairman said CASA gave Whyalla approval to extend overhaul hours on engines from 1800 hours to 2600.
He released letters showing permission, although not for the Piper Chieftain that crashed in Spencer Gulf in May 2000, killing all eight on board.
``It didn't apply to this aeroplane," Mr Anderson said. ``Both engines ... were well within service life."
A leaked draft report said a policy of conserving fuel was the likely cause.
© 2001 Illawarra Mercury
