Boeing has issued a recommendation for airlines to inspect the switches on pilots' seats in its 787 Dreamliner jets. This advisory comes in the wake of a report suggesting that an accidental cockpit seat movement may have caused a Latam Airlines plane to suddenly plunge while en route to New Zealand.
Key Points of the Advisory:
- Inspection Recommendation: Boeing advises airlines to conduct inspections during their next maintenance session on 787s, focusing on the cockpit seats. The instructions include steps on how to disable the motors that adjust the seats.
- Precautionary Measure: Described by Boeing as a precautionary step, this advisory aims to ensure the safety and integrity of the cockpit environment while the investigation into the Latam Airlines incident continues.
- Ongoing Investigation: Boeing has deferred to the investigating authorities for any potential findings related to the incident, emphasizing that the investigation is still in progress.
Incident Overview:
- Latam Airlines Flight Incident: The flight experienced a sudden drop, reportedly caused by an accidental activation of a seat switch by a flight attendant, leading to the pilot being pushed into the plane's controls. This incident resulted in about 50 injuries among passengers, many of whom were not wearing seatbelts and were thrown into the cabin ceiling and aisles.
- Investigation Details: Preliminary findings, as reported by The Wall Street Journal, suggest the incident was triggered by a cockpit seat switch being accidentally activated, pushing the pilot forward and causing the plane to nose dive.
Implications for Boeing:
This incident adds to the scrutiny Boeing faces, especially in light of a recent event where a panel blew out of an Alaska Airlines 737 Max over Oregon in January. The company is taking steps to address potential safety concerns and ensure the well-being of passengers and crew on its aircraft.
As the investigation unfolds, Boeing's advisory underscores the importance of meticulous inspection and maintenance practices to prevent similar incidents in the future.
