The Swiss Bundesamt fuer Zivilluftfahrt BAZL has imposed a provisional flight   
   ban on both Junkers JU-52s from Ju-Air. That decision follows the   
   investigation into the accident of an aircraft of this type in August, where   
   the twenty occupants were killed.   
       
   During the investigation by the Swiss Safety Research Board SUST, severe   
   corrosion was detected on wing girders. This damage could not be determined   
   during normal maintenance.   
       
   Remarkably enough, the corrosion found at the wreck is independent of the   
   cause of the accident on 4 August. According to BAZL there are still no   
   indications at the moment that a technical problem has caused the crash. The   
   investigation into the crash is still ongoing.   
       
   Ju-Air resumed flights shortly after the disaster with the eighty-year-old   
   Junkers aircraft. That was allowed because there were no indications at that   
   time for technical imperfections. BAZL has now imposed a flight ban because of   
   the corrosion.   
       
   Because the flying season is over, the flight ban has no direct consequences   
   for JU-Air. Both Ju-52 are currently under maintenance, investigating whether   
   there is also corrosion. If not, the flight company wants to perform pleasure   
   flights with the Junkers in the spring.   
       
   Ju-Air also wants to employ a third JU-52 in 2019. This is, however, a younger   
   copy built in Spanish license. According to the company, other rules apply to   
   that machine.   
      
   --- D'Bridge 3.99 SR33   
    * Origin: AVIATION ECHO HQ (2:292/854)