The following was the
SR following the 2008 structural failure:
Action taken by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority
On 17 November 2011, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) informed the ATSB, ...that CASA has written to the registered operators of all Australian registered M18 Dromader aircraft type to verify that, where applicable, they have procedures for recording aircraft time in service conducting overweight operations, and for the proper factoring of overweight flight time for calculation of the airframe service life.
Responses have been received and assessed and, where necessary, CASA has conducted follow-up with particular operators.
Further verification of operator procedures is expected to occur in accordance with CASA’s surveillance program.
ATSB assessment of response
The ATSB is satisfied that the action taken by CASA adequately addresses the safety issue.
AND:
Civil Aviation Safety Authority
Exemptions for overweight operations
Significant Safety issue
Operation of the M-18A in accordance with Civil Aviation Safety Authority exemptions EX56/07 and EX09/07 at weights in excess of the basic aircraft flight manual maximum take-off weight (MTOW), and up to the MTOW listed on the Type Certificate Data Sheet, may not provide the same level of safety intended by the manufacturer when including that weight on the Type Certificate.
Action taken by the CASA
On 2 December 2011, CASA advised that it would inform all M18A operators other than those that have a supplemental type certificate permitting operation to 6,600 kg, that the exemptions do not permit agricultural operations in the restricted category above 4,700 kg MTOW. CASA also advised that they will be revising the exemptions to ensure that the intended interpretation is clear to operators.
ATSB assessment of response/action
The ATSB is satisfied that, when completed, the action taken by CASA will adequately addresses the safety issue.
Is this another case of SR's not being properly surveilled by casa??
AND:
Safety fears flagged earlier over make of plane in death crash