Black boxes show similarities between Ethiopia, Indonesian plane crashes

Data retrieved from the black boxes of the Ethiopian Airlines crash that killed all 157 people on board last week show clear similarities with the crash of a Lion Air jet in Indonesia last October.

Both crashes involved the same model of plane: the Boeing 737 Max 8. Dagmawit Moges, Ethiopian Transport Minister who announced the findings on Sunday, said the government would release more detailed information within a month.

France’s Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA) is working with US and Ethiopian investigators to determine what brought down the plane.

The similarities involve an anti-stall system on both jets, designed to push the nose of the plane down if flight control systems sense a problem with low air speed. Both planes appeared to ascend and descend erratically, suggesting the pilots struggled to maintain control.

However, this is just one aspect of what’s expected to be a long and really lengthy investigation.

Dennis Muilenburg, Boeing Chairman, President and CEO issued a statement regarding the report from Moges.

Muilenburg said Boeing woul continue to support the investigation, and was working with the authorities to evaluate new information as it becomes available, adding that safety is the company’s highest priority as it designs, builds and supports its airplanes.

“As part of our standard practice following any accident, we examine our aircraft design and operation, and when appropriate, institute product updates to further improve safety. While investigators continue to work to establish definitive conclusions, Boeing is finalizing its development of a previously-announced software update and pilot training revision that will address the MCAS flight control law’s behaviour in response to erroneous sensor inputs,” he aid.

“We also continue to provide technical assistance at the request of and under the direction of the National Transportation Safety Board, the U.S. Accredited Representative working with Ethiopian investigators. In accordance with international protocol, all inquiries about the on-going accident investigation must be directed to the investigating authorities,” Muilenburg added.

 

IFEOMA OKEKE