FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 13, 2008 SB-08-28
NTSB CHAIRMAN LAUDS FAA FOR QUICK ACTION ON ECLIPSE 500
Washington, DC – National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Mark V. Rosenker today applauded the Federal Aviation Administration for its fast response to the urgent recommendations issued yesterday by the Safety Board on the serious airworthiness issue involving the Eclipse 500.
Last night, the FAA issued an airworthiness directive addressing dual engine control failures on the Eclipse 500. The directive informs pilots of the incident where a pilot lost left and right engine control while landing an Eclipse 500. It also provides pilots with operational procedures to recover the control of their engines in the event of a similar incident.
The AD, which is being sent to all owners and operators of Eclipse Aviation Corporation Model EA500 airplanes, also calls for a test procedure of the throttle quadrant to be conducted before their next flight. And, the pilots are required to report the test results to the FAA.
“The quick FAA response to the urgent recommendations we issued could save lives,” Rosenker said. “Additionally, the NTSB is looking forward to reviewing the results of the FAA-required inspections of these aircraft.”
Next week, the FAA and Eclipse will be conducting further evaluations and tests on the throttle quadrant from the incident aircraft.
Media Contact: Terry N. Williams
202-314-6100
williat@ntsb.gov