No. H054/02For release - May 28, 2002
OTTAWA — Transport Minister David Collenette today acknowledged the Transportation Safety Board of Canada's (TSB) recommendation concerning the crash of a Fairchild/Swearingen Metroliner II, operated by Propair Inc., at Mirabel/Montreal International Airport, Québec, on June 18, 1998.
"I would first like to recognize the work of the Transportation Safety Board in investigating this tragic accident," said Mr. Collenette. "Canada enjoys one of the safest aviation systems in the world, and Transport Canada is continually looking at ways to make this system even better. The TSB plays an important role in identifying areas where improvements can be made."
As a result of the crash, in which nine passengers and two pilots suffered fatal injuries, the TSB identified a number of safety deficiencies and made recommendations dealing with:
wheel wells and wings overheating;
brake overheat detection and wheel well vulnerability; and
hydraulic fluid mixing.
And today, the board recommended that Transport Canada, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Fairchild explore options to equip the aircraft with a brake pressure indicator for each main-wheel brake system.
Prior to the TSB recommendations, Transport Canada took a leadership role to find solutions to address safety concerns raised by the Propair accident. Departmental officials have been actively working with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the aircraft manufacturer, to this end.
Transport Canada has required changes to brake master cylinders on all Fairchild/Swearingen Metroliner II aircraft to relieve pressure and thus prevent overheating. Propair was also instructed to drain and purge the main hydraulic and brake system reservoirs, and refill them with the recommended fluid.
In addition, Transport Canada has required the amendment of the Aircraft Flight Manual to provide more information on wheel well fires, and issued a Commercial and Business Aviation Advisory Circular (No. 0146), to alert Canadian flight crews and operators of these aircraft about the hazards associated with overheating of the brakes.
"Aviation safety is a shared responsibility," added Mr. Collenette. "Transport Canada has taken a lead role in working with the FAA to develop comprehensive solutions in response to the recommendations made by the TSB."
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Contact:
Peter CoylesCommunications, Transport Canada(613) 993-0055
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