The Italian civil aviation authority (Ente Nazionale per l'Aviazione Civile - ENAC) says it has opened an investigation into Meridiana fly (Olbia) and sister carrier Air Italy (2005) (Milan Malpensa) following a series of incidents which have affected both operators' aircraft in recent weeks.
The most serious of the incidents occurred last month when first, a Meridiana fly MD-82, I-SMER (msn 49901), suffered an hydraulic failure in its landing gear during approach into Olbia on August 7. Then, on August 27, a B737-800 operated by Air Italy for Meridiana, suffered such a hard-landing at Verona airport that two passengers and four cabin crew needed medical attention. The aircraft, EI-FNW (msn 28642), underwent structural inspections although no damage was found, ENAC said.
Pending the findings of the audit, which is already underway, ENAC says it will continue to monitor and supervise the operations of both carriers.
