FAA Addressing MU-2 "Problem" The Wrong Way, Says AOPA
The MU-2B turboprop
does not need yet another certification review. The FAA, reacting
to congressional pressure, is "rushing to fix a problem that has
not even been quantified," according to AOPA.
"This issue has implications for other aircraft as well, because
we've encountered other cases where the FAA has tried to address
training or operations problems through airworthiness directives,"
said Luis Gutierrez, AOPA director of regulatory and certification
policy. "It's somewhat like using a hammer to turn a screw."
The issue stems from two recent accidents involving MU-2Bs at
Colorado's Centennial Airport. That led to a demand from the
Colorado delegation that the FAA investigate the safety of the
aircraft.
The FAA plans to have its Small Airplane Directorate, which is
responsible for aircraft certification, lead a "Safety Evaluation
Investigation."
But in AOPA's opinion, that's not the appropriate FAA office to
review the possible causes of accidents that might be attributed to
pilot error or other causes. The association believes that the
Office of Accident Investigation or Flight Standards Service should
take the lead. "Operational safety and training initiatives should
be conducted by the FAA offices responsible for those matters,"
said AOPA.
"In addition to the original, extensive certification process
for the MU-2B, the FAA thoroughly reevaluated the aircraft in at
least two separate reviews," AOPA said. "In all of these
examinations the airplane was determined to be safe and
airworthy."
AOPA distributed an Airworthiness Concern Sheet to appropriate
MU-2 operators, and the response strongly suggested that MU-2B
accidents are largely caused by pilot error, not aircraft
deficiencies.
The association also
volunteered to host a forum for FAA officials, the MU2 Aircraft
Owners and Pilots Association, and others knowledgeable on MU-2B
operations and training to "properly identify the true causal
factors associated with the recent accidents and to explore
possible solutions."
E-I-C Note: While rarely wrong, AOPA is even
more right than usual with this missive. The MU-2 is a fine
airplane and it doesn't have a dishonest bone in its body... but if
you don't know the beast, ignorance is likely to make you regret
it. There is nothing wrong with the MU-2 that pilot education and
competency can't fix. --Jim Campbell, ANN E-I-C, Occasional
MU-2 Jockey