Boeing is grappling with intensifying pressure from government regulators and airline pilots after Indonesian investigators cited a technical glitch in a Lion Air crash that killed 189 passengers aboard the latest version of the company’s most popular jetliner.
A sensor problem on the downed single-aisle 737 MAX caused an “erroneous input” to a device that tracks the plane’s ascent to prevent stalling, forcing the plane downward too quickly for the pilot to compensate, authorities in the southeast Asian country said. U.S. regulators, which required airlines this month to update operations manuals on the handling of such issues, are working with Boeing to determine whether any software or design changes are necessary.
“There appears to be a significant information gap, and we want to ensure that pilots operating these aircraft have all of the information they need to do so safely,” Capt. Tim Canoll, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, said in a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration, citing reports that Boeing had added an automatic pitch-control system to the MAX that earlier 737s didn’t have.
News accounts have suggested that neither airlines nor flight crews and maintenance workers were properly trained on the new equipment, the union leader added, and “the lack of critical safety information being provided” is a concern.
Separately, the parents of Dr. Rio Nanda Pratama – a passenger on Flight 610 – sued Boeing Thursday in connection with the crash.
“All of the families of the victims want to know the truth and causes of this tragedy, the same mistakes must be avoided in the future and those responsible must be brought to court,” Pratama’s father, H. Irianto, said in a statement.
Boeing declined to comment on the lawsuit, but a spokeswoman said the Chicago-based firm remains confident in the 737 MAX’s safety.
“We are taking every measure to fully understand all aspects of this incident, working closely with the investigating team and all regulatory authorities involved,” the spokeswoman said in an e-mailed statement. “We have provided two updates for our operators around the world that re-emphasize existing procedures for these situations.”
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are conducting their own reviews. The FAA is evaluating “the need for software and/or other design changes to the aircraft, including operating procedures and training, as we learn more,” according to a Wednesday statement.
The 737 is one of the world’s most popular jetliners, and Boeing has booked more than 4,700 orders for the more fuel-efficient MAX variant. To date, only 219 have been delivered.
Boeing’s stock has dropped nearly 8 percent since the sensor issue was identified, touching $338.12 in New York trading on Friday.
