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Air Carrier Faces Huge Fine for Flying

One of the nation’s busiest carriers is under scrutiny today for allegedly flying "unsafe planes".

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has submitted documents to congressional investigators indicating that as recently as 12 months ago, Southwest Airlines had been flying aircraft that had been deemed unsafe. The investigation involves more than 115 planes which were considered "not airworthy," according federal investigators.

Some of the planes singled out had been in operation for 30 months after inspection deadlines had passed.

The FAA is seeking 10 million dollars in civil penalties from Southwest for their failure to comply with regulations.

But documents uncovered by news outlet CNN show that some managers at the FAA had knowledge of the lapse in inspections, yet failed to take action. Two inspectors with the agency are expected to seek "whistle blower" protection to testify before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minnesota), who heads the Committee, is calling this situation "one of the worst safety violations" he has ever seen. The congressman is expected to call for a hearing on the matter.