11:34 am GMT+12, 28/10/2011, Papua New Guinea
The grounded Airlines PNG Dash 8 aircraft have been allowed to return to operations today but under strict scrutiny.
Civil Aviation Minister Puri Ruing said the decision to allow the planes back in the air was made in consultation with the aircraft manufacturer and the Accident Investigation Commission.
Ruing said the Dash 8's returning to service will be in a progressive manner over the next two weeks, and has some imposed conditions pertaining to operational procedures and training.
An airworthiness directive has also been given to all Dash 8 series of 100, 200 and 300 aircraft operating in the country for frequent inspections and tests on the propeller governor and power lever systems.
Minister Ruing said these are immediate steps taken in the interest of aviation safety in PNG, however, further safety action maybe required as more information becomes available.
He says Civil Aviation Authority assisted by Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Australia will continue to monitor the safety performance of Airlines P-N-G through Audits and Surveillance, and if any issues, appropriate actions will be taken to ensure it is address.
Meanwhile, investigations into the Madang plane crash is continuing, however, early indications are that the crash may have been caused by mechanical fault, causing power failure in both engines of the aircraft, leaving the pilot with no alternatives but to attempt an emergency landing, resulting in the death of 29 passengers.
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