Investigators in New Zealand have seized and processed the black box of a Boeing 787 that was en route to New Zealand but suddenly lost altitude, injuring many passengers. It is indicated that the stewardess hit the seat switch, which pushed the pilot to the control panel during the flight, UNN reports with reference to The Wall Street Journal.
Details
A sharp mid-air descent during a Latam Airlines flight from Sydney to Auckland that injured 50 passengers on Monday, March 11, was likely caused by the unintentional activation of an automated function of the pilot's seat. These are the conclusions of the Wall Street Journal, which reports on the negligence of representatives of the US aviation industry who were informed of the preliminary investigation.
According to the initial investigation, a flight attendant who brought food into the cockpit accidentally pushed a button for a mechanized function on the pilot's seat, pushing the pilot forward on the aircraft's control panel. However, the button was intended for a function that could not be used in flight and was supposed to be protected by a special cover that may not have been installed.
Boeing has already promised to send a circular to 787 Dreamliner operators regarding the button in question, but it should be noted that this is yet another scandal related to the safety of the company's airliners.
Recall
During a flight of the Chilean airline Latam Airlines from Sydney to Auckland, a technical problem occurred, resulting in the injury of about 50 passengers, one of whom is in serious condition, while others were injured of moderate or slight severity and required medical attention after landing.