Source: https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/_layouts/ntsb.recsearch/Recommendation.aspx?Rec=A-79-031
Timestamp: 2019-08-23 21:58:56
Document Index: 368497508

Matched Legal Cases: ['ART 135', 'ART 135', 'art 135', 'art 135', 'art 135', 'ART 135']

Safety Recommendation A-79-031
Synopsis: ON SEPTEMBER 2, 1978, ANTILLES AIR BOATS, INC., FLIGHT 941, A GRUMMAN G21A, CRASHED INTO THE OCEAN WHILE EN ROUTE FROM ST. CROIX TO ST. THOMAS, VIRGIN ISLANDS. THE PILOT AND 3 OF THE 10 PASSENGERS DIED IN THE ACCIDENT. THE NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD'S INVESTIGATION OF THE ACCIDENT REVEALED THAT THE OPERATOR COMMITTED POOR OPERATIONAL AND MAINTENANCE PRACTICES, FALSIFICATION OF AIRCRAFT AND AIRCRAFT COMPONENT LOGBOOKS, AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES WHICH OFTEN CONDONED OR ENCOURAGED THE VIOLATION OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS IN THE INTEREST OF COMPANY REQUIREMENTS.
Recommendation: THE NTSB RECOMMENDS THAT THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION: STRENGTHEN SURVEILLANCE AND ENFORCEMENT PROGRAMS DIRECTED TOWARD PART 135 OPERATORS TO: (1) PROVIDE ADEQUATE STAFFING FOR FAA FACILITIES CHARGED WITH SURVEILLANCE OF PART 135 OPRATORS; (2) ASSURE UNIFORM APPLICATION OF SURVEILLANCE AND ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES; AND (3) UPGRADE ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES AND ACTIONS IN ORDER TO PROVIDE A VIABLE DETERRENT TO FUTURE VIOLATIONS.
Issue Date: 5/3/1979
Date Closed: 4/30/1981
Date: 4/30/1981
Response: We have evaluated the following documents and actions dealing with this recommendation. Notice n800.176, order 1000.9c 8430.1b, 2150.3, and the establishment of 127 inspector positions in fy 80 and 81 budgets specifically for commuter-air taxi certification and surveillance activi- ties. The faa's increased surveillance and enforcement programs satisfy the intent of this recommendation which we now classify in a closed--acceptable action status.
Response: FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION LTR: WE TRANSMITTED ORDER 8430.1B, INSPECTION AND SURVEILLANCE PROCEDURES AIR TAXI OPERATORS/COMMUTER AIR CARRIERS AND COMMERCIAL OPERATORS, THROUGH STAFF CHANNELS ON MARCH 18, 1980. THE FOLLOWING ACTION HAS ALSO BEEN COMPLETED: ON MAY 16, ORDER 2150.3, COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM, WAS ISSUED. THIS ORDER CONSOLIDATED GUIDANCE MATERIAL FORMERLY CONTAINED IN FOUR SEPARATE ORDERS. IT IS DESIGNED AS A READY REFERENCE FOR USE AT ALL LEVELS OF THE AGENCY IN THE INVESTIGATION, REPORTING, AND LEGAL PROCESSING OF ENFORCEMENT CASES. ALL FAA EMPLOYEES INVOLVED IN THE COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM ARE DIRECTED TO READ AND BECOME FAMILIAR WITH APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF THIS ORDER.
Response: We are pleased to note the issuance of the faa's notice n8000.176, increased surveillance for operators under new part 135, dated april 25, 1979, and order 1000.9c, enforcement policy, dated april 26, 1979. We also note that the air taxi operations handbook is being re- written, that the air taxi maintenance handbook has been incorporated into the air carrier maintenance inspector's handbook, and that the faa enforcement handbooks are being combined into one. These actions, together with faa's organizational changes placing the responsibility of the air taxi program under the air carrier division are responsive to this recommendation. We have, therefore, classified this recommendation and other far part 135 related recommendations in an open--acceptable action status, and will be evaluating the effectiveness of these faa actions to improve the safety of part 135 operations during fiscal year 1980.
Date: 8/9/1979
Response: FAA LTR: NOTICE N8000.176, "INCREASED SURVEILLANCE FOR OPERATORS UNDER NEW PART 135," DATED APRIL 25, 1979, DIRECTS FIELD DIVISION CHIEFS AND DISTRICT OFFICE MANAGERS TO USE ALL AVAILABLE RESOURCES TO ENSURE CONTINUING EMPHASIS ON THE AIR TAXI/COMMUTER PROGRAM. THE AIR TAXI OPERATIONS HANDBOOK HAS BEEN REWRITTEN AND IS IN THE FINAL REVIEW PROCESS. THE AIR TAXI MAINTENANCE HANDBOOK HAS BEEN INCORPORATED INTO THE AIR CARRIER MAINTENANCE INSPECTOR'S HANDBOOK. THE FAA ENFORCEMENT HANDBOOKS ARE BEING COMBINED INTO ONE. ORDER 1000.9C, "ENFORCEMENT POLICY," ISSUED ON APRIL 26, 1979, INSTRUCTS THE REGIONAL DIRECTORS TO KEEP PERSONALLY INFORMED ON REGIONAL ENFORCEMENT POLICIES AND TO REVIEW ALL MAJOR CASES. THIS POLICY WILL UPGRADE ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS AS A DETERRENT TO FUTURE VIOLATIONS.