One Mechanic Cited In Two Accidents

An aviation mechanic in Fargo, N.D., whose certificate was revoked after a plane crash in February 2005, now has agreed to pay a $2,500 fine for another incident last July. The mechanic was taxiing a single-engine airplane in order to perform maintenance work when the plane’s propeller struck a pickup truck, causing substantial damage, The Associated Press reported last week. And why was he taxiing the airplane when he has lost his certificate? Although not certified, the mechanic still can perform certain maintenance procedures, but cannot inspect aircraft, the FAA said. In the 2005 plane crash, federal investigators said the mechanic improperly replaced an oil filter on a Cessna 177RG that crashed shortly after takeoff; the mechanic also falsified maintenance records. The pilot and passenger were seriously hurt in the crash. No injuries were reported in the taxi incident.