The operator did not place appropriate emphasis on ensuring the continuing airworthiness of the landing gear of its GA8 fleet, although being aware of:
The ATSB acknowledges the operator’s action regarding its changes to the control and conduct of maintenance on their aircraft. However, the ATSB notes that the prescribed maintenance program for any aircraft should be considered the minimum requirement, and when frequently operating in challenging environments such as a beach ALA additional activities or risk controls should also be considered. Nevertheless, the safety action taken by the operator has reduced the risk of this safety issue.
In April 2021, the operator advised that it:
…has overhauled its maintenance system which included a restructure of maintenance personnel, hiring and appointing a new experienced Head of Aircraft Airworthiness and Maintenance Control, contracting a new aircraft maintenance provider and appointing a Quality Assurance Officer to audit the companies maintenance system. These changes have collectively reduced external pressures and workload on the maintenance crew resulting in improvement in the quality of workmanship and increased operational standards throughout the company.
The operator further advised that it had:
…started the process for all of our Ga8 gear legs to get NDT [non-destructive testing, in this case a magnetic particle inspection] so we have a new zero hour point to work off across the fleet.
