Bahamas News
11-04-04, - 02:46 AM
OUT OF GAS?
Fuel shortage might have caused crash Investigators zero-in on prime mover
By Raymond Kongwa
Nassau Guardian
http://www.bahamasissues.com/images/news/down_plane.jpg
As investigators continue their probe into why a Southern Air flight into Nassau from Cat Island crashed in waters off South Beach on Oct. 22, the possibility that the airplane ran out fuel "is hitting high on the radar screen," a Civil Aviation official revealed Tuesday.
"Fuel exhaustion is one of the many areas we're looking into," said Randy Butler, a flight standard instructor with the department, which is leading the investigation into circumstances surrounding the crash. "And it is hitting high on the radar screen."
Having examined parts of the aircraft's engine, testing for fuel contamination and reviewing the route taken by the pilots on the failed flight, Mr Butler said dual engine failure was also another possible cause being considered by investigators.
Added Mr Butler: "But Pratt and Whitney (manufacturers of the engine) make a good engine, and they don't have a history of dual failures. But we can't rule that out."
In addition to the manufacturers performing a borescope exam (invasive exam utilising tubular video apparatus) on both engines, which they are transporting to the U.S. for further examination today, the Federal Aviation Authority is evaluating maintenance records of the U.S.-registered aircraft. The National Transportation Safety Board is also providing support and assistance.
The Department of Civil Aviation, which is charged with coordinating the probe, has completed its field investigation. Under both visual and instrument-aided flight rules the department mandates that a pilot ensure his aircraft has sufficient fuel for an original flight plan, an alternate plan and 45 minutes additional flying time.
"You don't take off with out a minimum amount of fuel," said Mr Butler, who explained that fuel checks are a fundamental part of every pilots pre-flight planning.
Stressing that the investigation was yet to be concluded, the flight standards instructor suggested that conclusions not be drawn until the end of the exercise.
Meanwhile, Southern Air's president Sheba Gibbs says the airline has not lost significant business since loosing half of its fleet. She said the company has, however, faced a challenge finding ways to adjust it routes and would consider acquiring additional aircraft in the future.
Mrs Gibbs said calls had come in requesting the services of the pilots in command of the fallen flight, leading her to believe that the crash had a "positive side." Both Captain Elston Gaitor and 1st Officer Josh Knowles remain on administrative leave pending completion of the investigation.
Twenty minutes after leaving Arthur's Town Cat, Island at 1:20 p.m., the pilots reported loosing power in one engine. When the second engine failed shortly afterwards, they decided to bring the airplane down in the shallow waters of southern New Providence.
Injuries sustained by the eight passengers and two crewmen on board the flight were negligible, resulting in the pilots being hailed as heroes following the crash-landing.
Fuel shortage might have caused crash Investigators zero-in on prime mover
By Raymond Kongwa
Nassau Guardian
http://www.bahamasissues.com/images/news/down_plane.jpg
As investigators continue their probe into why a Southern Air flight into Nassau from Cat Island crashed in waters off South Beach on Oct. 22, the possibility that the airplane ran out fuel "is hitting high on the radar screen," a Civil Aviation official revealed Tuesday.
"Fuel exhaustion is one of the many areas we're looking into," said Randy Butler, a flight standard instructor with the department, which is leading the investigation into circumstances surrounding the crash. "And it is hitting high on the radar screen."
Having examined parts of the aircraft's engine, testing for fuel contamination and reviewing the route taken by the pilots on the failed flight, Mr Butler said dual engine failure was also another possible cause being considered by investigators.
Added Mr Butler: "But Pratt and Whitney (manufacturers of the engine) make a good engine, and they don't have a history of dual failures. But we can't rule that out."
In addition to the manufacturers performing a borescope exam (invasive exam utilising tubular video apparatus) on both engines, which they are transporting to the U.S. for further examination today, the Federal Aviation Authority is evaluating maintenance records of the U.S.-registered aircraft. The National Transportation Safety Board is also providing support and assistance.
The Department of Civil Aviation, which is charged with coordinating the probe, has completed its field investigation. Under both visual and instrument-aided flight rules the department mandates that a pilot ensure his aircraft has sufficient fuel for an original flight plan, an alternate plan and 45 minutes additional flying time.
"You don't take off with out a minimum amount of fuel," said Mr Butler, who explained that fuel checks are a fundamental part of every pilots pre-flight planning.
Stressing that the investigation was yet to be concluded, the flight standards instructor suggested that conclusions not be drawn until the end of the exercise.
Meanwhile, Southern Air's president Sheba Gibbs says the airline has not lost significant business since loosing half of its fleet. She said the company has, however, faced a challenge finding ways to adjust it routes and would consider acquiring additional aircraft in the future.
Mrs Gibbs said calls had come in requesting the services of the pilots in command of the fallen flight, leading her to believe that the crash had a "positive side." Both Captain Elston Gaitor and 1st Officer Josh Knowles remain on administrative leave pending completion of the investigation.
Twenty minutes after leaving Arthur's Town Cat, Island at 1:20 p.m., the pilots reported loosing power in one engine. When the second engine failed shortly afterwards, they decided to bring the airplane down in the shallow waters of southern New Providence.
Injuries sustained by the eight passengers and two crewmen on board the flight were negligible, resulting in the pilots being hailed as heroes following the crash-landing.