FAA hits American Airlines 'with the largest fine in history

By Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY


In a story just in, USA TODAY's Alan Levin writes:

Federal aviation regulators hit American Airlines on Thursday with the largest fine in history, charging that the carrier made thousands of flights on jets with wiring prone to dangerous sparking.

The Federal Aviation Administration intends to fine American $24.2 million, which far exceeds the previous largest penalty. The airline flew 14,278 times on its fleet of MD-80 jets without making required upgrades to wiring, the agency charged.

"We put rules and regulations in place to keep the flying public safe," Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said. "We expect operators to perform inspections and conduct regular and required maintenance in order to prevent safety issues. There can be no compromises when it comes to safety."

American issued a statement insisting that safety was never compromised on any of its flights and vowing to contest the fine.