Mountain Air Cargo (MTN, Kinston) is set to meet the US Federal Aviation Administration later this month regarding a proposed fine of USD132,425 the regulator wants to impose on the carrier for having allegedly operated an unairworthy ATR42 during 2012.

Following an investigation, the FAA claimed to have uncovered evidence Mountain Air Cargo mechanics had improperly repaired a dent in a cargo door at the rear of the aircraft in August 2012. The dent exceeded the allowable limits for the kind of repair that was done, the FAA added.

"The aircraft operated 115 flights between August 7 and October 29, 2012 when it was not in an airworthy condition due to the improper repair," a statement read.

The regulator alleges the company failed to follow its FAA-approved aircraft maintenance program, which required it to report the damage to the aircraft manufacturer, ATR - Avions de Transport Régional (EVX, Toulouse Blagnac), along with a repair plan, and obtain the manufacturer’s approval for the repairs.

Mountain Air Cargo operates an ATR fleet of nine ATR 42-300(F)s and eight ATR 72-200(F)/-500(F)/-600Fs on cargo flights throughout the eastern half of the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean Islands. It also operates close to 40 Cessna 208A and 208B freighters.