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Apr 8, 2008 10:58 pm US/Central
AA Official Ends Interview When Asked About Safety
On-Camera Interview Abruptly Ended
FORT WORTH (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
The travel plans of thousands of American Airlines passengers have been put on hold after the airline canceled 500 flights and grounded 300 planes.
Airline officials say the problem isn't related to a safety issue, but CBS 11 found that might not be the case.
It was over a year and a half ago when the Federal Aviation Administration directed all airlines to wrap and secure wires located in the wheel wells of all MD-80 airplanes. Two weeks ago, American Airlines grounded 79 planes after they failed to meet the FAA's airworthiness directive.
"Airworthiness directives are for safety-of-flight items," said Capt. Karl Schricker, Allied Pilots Association. "The first time they (American Airlines) went through it over a year ago, everything should have been in compliance. The second time was two weeks ago. It should have been in compliance. And now, were at the third time."
Monday, the FAA conducted a spot inspection of ten of American's MD-80s. Nine failed because, once again, the wires were not in compliance. This time, AA grounded its entire fleet of MD-80s.
In a written statement, American Airlines said, "These inspections are related to detailed, technical compliance issues and not safety-of-flight issues."
But according to the original mandate from the FAA obtained by CBS 11, the airworthiness directive was issued to "prevent shorted wires or arcing," which could result in "loss of auxiliary hydraulic power or a fire in the wheel well."
Since the wires are "adjacent to the fuel tank," the FAA says it could result in a "fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane."
"The possibility exists because these wires are in the wheel well, and they are right by a fuel tank. You can have a spark and an ignition. You can lose the aircraft," said Capt. Schricker.
CBS 11 reporter Jay Gormley asked an American Airline spokesperson, "Why has it taken 19 months to correctly wrap and secure these wires?"
CBS 11 Reporter Jay Gormley: "They're afraid that the wires could short or arc. That, in combination with the flammable fuel vapors, could result in a full tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane. That sounds to me like a safety issue."
Immediately following that question, AA spokesperson Charley Wilson walked off camera. However, Wilson still had his microphone on and he said, "This is where we're not going."
Gormley: "You said it's not a safety issue and the A.D. from the FAA says, 'We don't want planes to explode.'"
Wilson: "Well, certainly."
Gormley "Well how is that not a safety issue?"
AA Spokesperson Tami McLallen: "Safety is our number one priority."
Several hours later, AA issued yet another statement to CBS11. The airline said Monday's inspections focused on the fasteners that hold the wire wraps in place. Wilson said although the fasteners were securely in place, the placement of them was not in compliance.
Wilson said there was never any danger and maintains that the grounding of the entire fleet is not safety related.
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