The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the recent omission by Ansett to undertake specified maintenance requirements for Boeing 767 aircraft. This situation can reasonably be regarded as having the potential to affect adversely the safety of aviation and is therefore a safety deficiency.
The safety deficiency investigation will include examination of:
- Boeing aircraft airworthiness
- Ansett's maintenance quality assurance system, and
- CASA's systems for compliance, including procedures delegating responsibilities to airlines for regulatory compliance.
This investigation is separate to the regulatory compliance investigation being undertaken by CASA.
Additional information added on 12 January 2001 in response to inquiries
Boeing aircraft airworthiness refers to the relationship between the manufacturer and the airline operator to ensure the maintenance of continuing airworthiness.