CASA has suspended the air operator’s certificates (AOCs) of Bankstown based Skymaster Air Services and Avtex Air Services, which share the same ownership, following a number of accidents and incidents involving Skymaster aircraft over the last three months.
“CASA believes allowing Skymaster Air Services and Avtex Air Services to continue to operate while CASA completes further safety investigations poses a serious and imminent risk to air safety,” it said in a statement issued on July 23, the same date that the five business day suspension started.
A Skymaster aircraft was involved in a fatal crash at Canley Vale in June while on a medical charter flight, while other accidents and incidents have included a wheels-up landing, a collapsed nose gear on landing, loss of engine power and fuel flow issues. CASA also noted that the suspension was also based on “issues relating to the safety culture of the operations, aircraft maintenance control and pilot training.”
During the suspension, CASA will complete its investigation to determine if further action should be taken, while it also has the option to extend the suspension for up to 40 days by applying to the Federal Court.
