Swiss authorities have ordered the temporary grounding of two Junkers Ju-52 vintage airplanes operated by the Ju-Air company based near Zurich. Structural damage was discovered in the Ju-52 aircraft that crashed in Switzerland in August, killing all 20 onboard.
In a statement on TuesdayExternal link, the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (OFAC/BAZL) said an investigation by the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSIB) of the wreckage of the fatal Ju-52 accident had revealed pre-existing structural damage to the aircraft’s main wing spar and to other parts of the plane, in the form of cracks and corrosion.
It had not been possible to detect such damage during regular maintenance and inspections, OFAC said. But it insisted that there was presently no link between the damage found and the air accident in Switzerland on August 4.
“There were no indications through the date of publication of this interim report that pre-existing technical defects would have caused the accident,” the STSIB said.
On August 4, a 79-year-old Ju-52 operated by Ju-AirExternal link, flying from Locarno in canton Ticino to Dübendorf in canton Zurich, crashed at altitude in canton Graubünden in eastern Switzerland killing all 20 people on board – three Austrians and 17 Swiss.
Following the fatal accident, no technical defects were identified on the three-engine plane. And on August 17, the Swiss aviation authority gave Ju-Air the green light to resume flights using its two remaining Ju-52 planes but insisted that several precautionary measures should be taken.
Despite not declaring any direct cause for the fatal crash, investigators have found structural damage and therefore are taking no chances.
“As the two Junkers Ju-52s are more or less the same age as the aircraft that crashed and have flown for a similar number of hours, it must be ensured that they don’t have the same structural damage,” OFAC said.
The STSIB is not expected to complete its full investigation into the plane crash before the middle of 2019.
More
More
Vintage Ju-52 aircraft crashes in Swiss Alps: 20 dead
This content was published on
The vintage plane crashed at altitude in canton Graubünden. Police confirmed the deaths of all 20 passengers after a salvage operation on Sunday.
French cross-border workers in Switzerland fear “discriminatory” unemployment reform
This content was published on
In the French region around Geneva, cross-border workers are protesting proposals to cut unemployment benefits for those working in Switzerland.
Swan infected with bird flu in central Switzerland
This content was published on
Switzerland has reported its first bird flu case of the season. A swan found dead in central Switzerland tested positive for the H5N1 virus.
Swiss researchers identify gene variants linked to cancer progression
This content was published on
ETH Zurich researchers explored genetic mutations’ effects on cell function and their role in cancer development and treatment using CRISPR/Cas techniques.
Explosion at Swiss company Givaudan’s US plant leaves two dead
This content was published on
Swiss flavour and fragrance maker Givaudan reported that an explosion at its Kentucky plant resulted in two deaths and several injuries.
Swisscom’s Vodafone Italia takeover cleared by Italian telecoms authority
This content was published on
Swisscom is one step closer to its planned acquisition of Vodafone Italia, as the Italian communications regulator has approved the €8 billion deal.
Swiss parliamentary committee proposes foreign aid cuts and military funding boost
This content was published on
A committee of the Swiss House of Representatives has proposed increasing funds for the military and agriculture while reducing foreign aid and asylum.
Swiss Rolex Submariner watches reach nearly $50 billion in total market value
This content was published on
The total market value of all Rolex Submariner watches ever made is nearly $50 billion, based on newly released production data.
Swiss Jew wrongfully detained due to prosecutor’s ‘bias’
This content was published on
A Jewish Swiss man was detained after the prosecutor argued he might flee to Israel. The Federal Court said this implies bias due to his Jewish faith.
US reportedly scrutinises Russian accounts UBS took over from Credit Suisse
This content was published on
The US is investigating Russian clients acquired by UBS during its takeover of Credit Suisse, according to three sources familiar with the matter.
WTO plans to reappoint Okonjo-Iweala before Trump swears in
This content was published on
Some member states of the World Trade Organization may seek to reappoint Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, according to a document released on Tuesday.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss vintage planes resume flights after crash
This content was published on
A local Swiss airline that operates vintage Junkers Ju-52 planes resumed operations on Friday after a fatal crash two weeks ago.
Vintage Ju-52 aircraft crashes in Swiss Alps: 20 dead
This content was published on
The vintage plane crashed at altitude in canton Graubünden. Police confirmed the deaths of all 20 passengers after a salvage operation on Sunday.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.