FAA Alleges Purchase-Based Company Repaired Plane Improperly

HARRISON, NY - The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration proposes a $275,000 civil penalty against Atlas Airlines of Purchase, NY, for allegedly operating a Boeing 747 after performing improper maintenance on the aircraft.

FAA officials released a statement alleging that Atlas maintenance workers improperly repaired the plane’s landing gear after it would not retract on departure from Sydney, Australia. Atlas repaired the gear using the wrong part, and maintenance workers had to install the component upside down to get it to fit, the FAA alleged.

• Get real time Harrison Patch news alerts and our free daily newsletter; and visit us on Facebook.

Atlas operated the aircraft on 24 cargo flights over a 10-day period after improperly repairing the landing gear; but, the aircraft was not in an airworthy condition during those flights, the FAA alleged.

Atlas has been in communication with the FAA about the case, agency officials said.