A number of Regional Express Saab 340 planes have been grounded following a freak incident last week.
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An investigation is underway after the a propeller sheared of a plane, carrying 16 passengers and three crew mid-flight on Friday, March 17.
The aircraft landed safely in Sydney despite the detachment and it is believed no one was harmed from the fall of the rogue propeller, which is yet to be located in the Camden area.
In a statement on Monday, REX announced it would ground all planes of the same series and quarantine the propeller gear boxes and shafts for further testing. The airline has not yet disclosed the number of planes affected by the quarantine or how its services will be affected.
Investigations thus far have found Flight ZL768 – tracking from Albury to Sydney – experienced engine trouble 25 kilometers south-west of its destination. The engine was shut down and the propeller feathered to reduce drag. The prop then rotated upwards and horizontally away from the plane.
