Mon, Oct 27, 2003
But FAA Finds Allegations Untrue
It's just not true. That's the word
from a pair of FAA inspectors who traveled from Kansas City (MO) to
the College of the Ozarks in Springfield (MO) last week. They were
drawn to the school's aviation program and its eight aircraft after
an anonymous allegation that maintenance records had been faked.
The tip was given to school administrators late last month. At the
school's request, the FAA sent its inspectors, who found there was
no truth to the reports.
And yet, the eight aircraft are still grounded as C of O
continues its own investigation. Dean of Administration Larry
Cockrum told the Springfield News-Leader, "We're very sensitive
with safety issues."
The complaint said maintenance workers had jimmied the logbooks
to indicate a Cessna 172 had not been flown beyond a mandatory
inspection. Although the investigation continues, Cockrum says
there is little evidence that suggests the mechanic tampered with
records. He said it appeared the complaint was filed because
"somebody got mad."
"We had other mechanics that were in that position that are no
longer in that position. We did some cutbacks," he said. "It's some
sort of personal vendetta."
The school is understandably sensitive about the issue. Four
years ago, the College of the Ozark's Citation went down short of
the runway in bad weather. Among the six people killed was
then-aviation director Joe Birnell.
His widow sued the school after the accident, saying he was
under unreasonable pressure from the school, which had demanded his
logbooks and questioned his competency. The suit was dismissed two
months ago.
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