Bombardier Called to Crisis Meeting with EASA

In the wake of SAS’s latest accident, the FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive for certain Bombardier Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes, and requiring further inspections of the troubled aircraft. Related Story  Meanwhile, the European Aviation Safety Agency summoned the manufacturer to what it termed a "crisis meeting" next week and is considering a of Q400 parts. SAS not only grounded its 27-aircraft fleet but said it will permanently spin them out of its fleet. Bombardier indicated that it already has takers for the aircraft, despite the problems. Other operators have expressed confidence in the aircraft but Horizon has issued no statement on the latest events. Transport Canada expressed deep concern that the latest event was related to the two previous accidents. While analysts said it was interesting the problems have only occurred at SAS, others pointed out that Japan Airlines has also had problems, which were seemingly unrelated. For a complete report see the next issue of Regional Aviation News.