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WASHINGTON -- The U.S.
Department of Transportation�s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes a
$77,000 civil penalty against National Air Cargo Group Inc., of Orlando, Fla., for
allegedly failing to comply with requirements for loading and securing heavy
cargo. The FAA alleges that during
March and April 2013, National failed to comply with Federal Aviation
Regulations while loading heavy military vehicles onto two Boeing 747 jetliners
that the company operated. The jets were flown on seven flights while loaded
with one or more Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPs), each weighing
between 23,001 pounds and 37,884 pounds. Federal Aviation Regulations
require operators to comply with all operating limitations specified in an
aircraft�s approved flight manual. The FAA alleges that National did not comply
with the operating limitations set forth in the Boeing 747s� flight manuals, resulting
in cargo that was not properly restrained to prevent shifting that could affect
the safe operation of the aircraft. On April 29, 2013, one of the
747s crashed immediately after takeoff from Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan
while loaded with five MRAPs, killing its crew of seven and destroying the
aircraft. The FAA alleges that National did not secure those vehicles in
accordance with the limitations set forth in the aircraft�s flight manual. The
probable cause of the accident is still under investigation by the National
Transportation Safety Board. National Air Cargo has asked
to meet with the FAA to discuss the case.
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