Automated flight stablising system caused Lion Air crash that killed 189 people

Lion Air Flight 610, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, crashed into the Java Sea 13 minutes after takeoff from Jakarta, killing all 189 people on board and raising serious concerns about an automated system that pitched the jetliner’s nose down repeatedly. What happened The aircraft experienced multiple issues shortly after takeoff, including erroneous airspeed and altitude readings, with the plane's Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) repeatedly pushed the nose down, despite the pilots' attempts to counteract it. The flight crashed into the Java Sea at approximately 450 mph, resulting in the deadliest accident in Lion Air's history and the most severe crash involving a Boeing 737. The crash resulted in the loss of 189 lives, causing immense grief for families, friends and communities. Why it happened The crash was found by the US National Safety Transportation Board to have been caused by a combination of factors, notably: Design flaws, including the expanded functionality of the MCAS system. A misaligned angle of attack (AOA) sensor provided incorrect data to the flight control computer. The MCAS system, designed to rely on a single AOA sensor, was vulnerable to erroneous input. Inadequate documentation and communication about previous issues with the aircraft. Insufficient pilot training on handling MCAS-related emergencies. What it means The incident led t he grounding of all Boeing 737 MAX aircraft worldwide snd a m ajor crisis for the aircraft manufacturer. It also prompted serious safety concerns in the aviation industry, leading to, amongst other things, to: Increased scrutiny of aircraft certification processes and the relationship between manufacturers and regulators A reevaluation of pilot training programmes and the importance of clear communication about new aircraft systems, and A renewed focus on the need for redundancy in critical flight systems and the potential risks of over-reliance on automation. System 🤖 Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) Developer: Boeing Country: Indonesia Sector: Transport/logistics Purpose: Adjust aircraft pitch Technology: Software algor ithms Issue: Accuracy/reliability; Safety Resources 📃 Boeing. 737 MAX software update Investigations, assessments, audits 👁️ National Safety Transportation Board. Investigation of Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302

Date it happened

2018-10-01

Organisation involved

Lion Air

Product, system or model

Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS)

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