Skydive Fiji suspends operations of GA8 Airvan Aircraft
Joyce Aviation has decided to temporarily suspended operations of one of its aircraft that is usually used by Skydive Fiji following an accident in which involved a similar type of plane in Sweden.
Joyce Aviation managing director Tim Joyce said that it was not the decision of the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF).
On July 14, 2019, a Gippsland GA8 Airvan, similar to one aircraft used by Skydive Fiji, crashed on a river islet in Sweden, killing all nine people on board.
Investigations
As investigations are still ongoing on the Swedish crash Mr Joyce said the aircraft would not be used until the outcome of what caused it was released.
“It is the same as the Max 8 aircraft which was grounded by all airlines including Fiji Airways following two tragic accidents involving the Max 8,” Mr Joyce said.
The difference
“The difference is the Gippsland GA8 Airvan has been around for about 20 years while the Max 8 was a new aircraft.
“We have other aircraft which are used by Skydive Fiji.
“We carried out a thorough check of our Gippsland GA8 Airvan and everything is okay.
“But we will still want to know what caused the accident before we put this plane back in the sky.
“There are 100s of these aircraft around the world but very little accidents with them so it would be interesting to know what happened.”
The Gippsland GA8 Airvan aircraft is made in Australia. Mr Joyce said investigators from the company in Australia had gone to Sweden to investigate the crash.
Mr Joyce said investigators from the company in Australia have gone to Sweden to investigate the crash.