Federal regulators are proposing to fine a feeder airline, Corporate Air, $455,000 for allowing a small airliner to carry passengers on 80 flights despite an engine that needed repair.
The Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday that the airline flew the Beech 1900C — a 19-passenger twin-engine turboprop plane — without repairing its right engine, which was consuming excessive amounts of oil.
Executives with Corporate Air didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Billings, Mont., company has scheduled flights in nine states in addition to Montana: Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. It also operates six aircraft repair and maintenance facilities, according to a company website.
