Questions without being Judgemental – Today, Indonesia’s transportation ministry Revealed that the ill Fated Sriwijaya Air aircraft didn’t fly for nearly 9 months last year (2020), due to pandemic.
✔The 26 years old jet (MSN27323) got grounded in late March-20 & re-started flying on 19th Dec Non-commercially & flew passengers on 22nd Dec again.
✔So, Aircraft crashed 19 days after flying again.
✔As per Indonesia’s transportation ministry, the B737-500 was inspected & declared airworthy before resuming flights with certificate of airworthiness validity until Dec-17, 2021.
✔Though, a thorough investigation will reveal the real reason of the crash, questions arise here !
👉In Such unusual mass grounding circumstances, was an OEM-SIL necessary ?
👉What kind of inspection was done to re-certify the aircraft ?
👉Was the scope limited to an ‘A’ check or a de-escalated ‘C’ check was the requirement for such old aircraft ?
👉Was CPCP Inspection schedule considered for an aircraft standing idle for 9 months ?
👉Was Primary Flight control Lubrication/ hinge conditions considered before CRS ?
👉Was electronics bay (essential Computers) scanned for nil moisture effect on contactors/ wiring terminals/wires ?
Wise to wait for the investigation !
Author – Tanmay Palei
Sr. Aircraft Structure Engineer