FAA proposes $1.1 million fine against Everett, Washington, company for improper 737 repairs

By KOMO 

Published: Sep 12, 2011 at 11:24 AM PDT

EVERETT, Wash. -- The FAA is proposing a $1.1 million fine against an Everett company for allegedly making improper repairs to dozens of Southwest 737s.

The agency says Aviation Technical Services "failed to accomplish all the work required by three FAA airworthiness directives calling for five repetitive inspections and a one-time inspection to find and repair fatigue cracks in the fuselage skins of the planes."

The company also didn't install fasteners in the rivet holes within the required drying time of sealant, the FAA said.

While 44 Southwest 737-300 aircraft are involved in proposed fine, the 737 that suffered a hole in its fuselage during an April flight was not among the aircraft in question. The FAA says Aviation Technical Services did not perform any inspection or repair work on that plane before its mishap.

ATS has 30 days to respond to the FAA.

By KOMO