Boeing has issued a recommendation for airlines to inspect switches on pilots' seats in its 787 Dreamliner jets following a recent incident involving a LATAM Airlines flight to New Zealand. The incident, which resulted in a sudden plunge of the aircraft, is believed to have been caused by an accidental movement of the cockpit seat.
The aircraft manufacturer advised airlines to inspect the motorized cockpit seats during their next maintenance checks on the 787s. Boeing provided instructions on how to disable the motors that control seat movement, describing the advisory as a precautionary measure.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the Boeing memo was issued in response to the incident on LATAM Flight 800. The FAA announced plans to convene a panel of experts to review Boeing's message to airlines.
LATAM Airlines initially reported a 'technical event' during the flight, resulting in a strong movement. Passengers on board the Dreamliner described being thrown from their seats and into the cabin ceiling and aisles when the plane suddenly dropped. Despite the incident, the aircraft landed safely at Auckland Airport.
About 50 individuals sustained injuries during the incident, according to emergency crews in Auckland. The 787 Dreamliner, introduced in 2011, is primarily used for long international flights and can accommodate up to approximately 300 passengers.
Leading airlines such as United Airlines and American Airlines operate significant fleets of the 787 Dreamliner. American Airlines stated that Boeing's recommendations would not impact its operations, while United Airlines declined to comment on the matter.
According to reports, the incident on the LATAM flight was allegedly triggered when a flight attendant serving a meal in the cockpit inadvertently activated a switch on the pilot's seat, causing the aircraft to nosedive. Boeing advised airlines to ensure that such switches are securely covered and provided instructions on how to deactivate the seat motor.
Chile's aviation regulator has dispatched investigators to New Zealand to lead the investigation into the incident. The regulator has not yet released any official findings regarding the cause of the sudden plunge.
This incident comes at a time when Boeing is already under intense scrutiny following a separate incident involving an Alaska Airlines 737 Max in January. Multiple investigations by the FAA, the National Transportation Safety Board, and the Justice Department are ongoing, focusing on the blowout incident and Boeing's production of the Max jets.
