Boeing Advises Pilots to Inspect Seats Following Latam Plane Incident
Following an alarming incident on a Latam Airlines flight involving the sudden descent of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, resulting in injuries to 50 passengers, Boeing has issued a directive to airlines operating the aircraft, urging pilots to check their seats. The Wall Street Journal reported that the incident occurred when a flight attendant inadvertently activated a switch on the pilot’s seat, causing the pilot to be pushed into the controls and prompting the plane’s nose to dip.
Passengers recounted the harrowing experience, with many thrown against the plane’s ceiling during the abrupt descent. Brian Jokat, a passenger onboard, described the scene, noting that several individuals sustained head injuries and some roof panels were broken. The severity of the situation led him to fear for his life momentarily.
While emergency services attended to those injured, Boeing emphasized its cooperation with ongoing investigations into the incident. The aerospace giant highlighted the ongoing probe of Flight LA800 and deferred to investigation authorities for potential findings. As a precautionary measure, Boeing reminded 787 operators of a service bulletin issued in 2017, advising them to inspect and maintain switches on flight deck seats. It recommended that operators conduct inspections at the next maintenance opportunity.
Latam Airlines, the Chilean-Brazilian carrier operating the flight, pledged cooperation with authorities in their investigation efforts. The affected aircraft, bound initially for Santiago, Chile, had its departure canceled, with a rescheduled flight planned for Tuesday.
This incident follows a series of safety concerns involving Boeing aircraft, including a January occurrence where a door panel detached due to missing bolts. Additionally, this week witnessed the tragic death of a former Boeing employee known for raising alarms about the company’s production standards.
These recent events underscore the ongoing challenges faced by Boeing, emphasizing the critical need for stringent safety protocols and thorough investigations to ensure passenger safety and restore public trust in air travel.
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