An unsafe United Airlines plane reportedly flown internationally and domestically more than 20 times before undergoing required inspection is likely to cost the bumbling carrier a $435,000 FAA fine.
The Federal Aviation Administration proposed the hefty fine, citing 23 domestic and international passenger flights made by the United Airlines plane, according to CNN Money.
The FAA said the plane was far from “airworthy” after United mechanics replaced a fuel pump pressure switch on the Boeing 787 back in June of 2014, said the New York Daily News.
The mechanics didn’t put the replacement through “the necessary inspection,” and the plane continued to operate for another several days. It wasn’t until 19 days later that the replacement was properly inspected.
“Maintaining the highest levels of safety depends on operators closely following all applicable rules and regulations,” FAA chief Michael Huerta said in a statement. “Failing to do so can create unsafe conditions.”
United Airlines had a different explanation, though.
“We immediately took action after identifying the issue and are working closely with the FAA in their review,” United spokesperson Charles Hobart said, according to CNN Money.
It’s been a difficult year for United. The airline has been constantly receiving negative press unfortunate incidents, including the violent removal of a passenger from an overbooked plane and an engaged couple kicked off a flight as they were on their way to their wedding.
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