Federal regulators have faulted Westinghouse Electric Company for its analysis of the possible effects of an airplane crash into a proposed nuclear reactor.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued a low-level violation against Westinghouse in late October over its modeling on what would happen if a large plane struck its AP1000 reactor. The violation does not carry a fine.

The Atlanta-based Southern Company and others want to use that model of reactor in at least seven nuclear plants that were in the planning stages as of June.

Westinghouse spokesman Scott Shaw said most of the issues were over differences between Westinghouse and the NRC over analysis methodology. He said the issues can be resolved and will not set back the company's timeline for getting final approval for the reactor.

Tags: Southern Company, nuclear reactors, Plant Vogtle