Alleged incompliance prompts $547K fine

Hawaiian Airlines is facing a $547,500 civil fine for operating one of its planes for eight years without properly inspecting certain components that could cause a rapid decompression of the aircraft.

The Federal Aviation Administration alleged Monday that Hawaiian operated one of its Boeing 767-300 aircraft more than 5,000 times when it was out of compliance with a July 2000 directive that required inspections of certain engine thrust reverser components.

The FAA said the directive was intended to prevent a portion of the thrust reverser from coming off in flight, which could cause a rapid decompression of the aircraft.

According to the FAA, a July 2012 inspection found that Hawaiian Airlines’ records indicated that the directive did not apply to the aircraft, and the airline operated the Boeing 767-300 on more than 5,000 flights between July 2004 and July 2012 when it was out of compliance. The July 2000 directive required replacement of the components with improved parts within four years of the directive taking effect.

The FAA further alleged that even after Hawaiian was notified in 2012 that it was not in compliance, the airline continued to operate the aircraft on 14 additional passenger flights.

Hawaiian spokeswoman Alison Croyle said after the airline was notified of the discrepancy, "we immediately began inspections of the aircraft at issue." She said the aircraft was found to be "partially compliant and was immediately brought into full compliance."

Croyle declined to explain the discrepancy regarding Hawaiian’s claim that it took immediate action and the FAA’s assertion that the airline flew 14 more flights after being notified.

"We don’t comment on pending litigation," Croyle said, adding that Hawaiian’s first commitment is always to safety.

Croyle also noted that the aircraft was returned to its lessor on April 20, 2013.

Hawaiian, which has requested an informal conference with the FAA to discuss the matter, has never had a fatal accident in its nearly 85-year history.