The Charlotte Observer, "Trends In Maintenance, Inspections, Cost-Cutting Pose Threat, Experts Say"

          Airlines are spending less to maintain their planes. Mechanics are checking them less often. And federal oversight is stretched thin as regulators struggle to keep up with the growing use of outsourced service work and repairs. The safety of one of the world's most reliable aviation systems is at stake.
          Faulty maintenance contributed to three of the past five fatal airline accidents, including the January crash of Flight 5481 in Charlotte that killed all 21 aboard. It likely played a role in a fourth crash, now under investigation, sources say.
          John Goglia, a member of the five-person National Transportation Safety Board, which investigates crashes, said cost-cutting has hurt maintenance. He says the industry needs to focus on improving it, or expect more disasters.