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Boeing 737 MAX safety record questioned after two tragedies
WASHINGTON, March 11, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – For the second time in less than six
months, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 has crashed minutes after takeoff and killed
everyone on board, raising fresh questions about the safety of a model that
is crucial to the US giant’s future plans.
China — an important market for Boeing — became the first country to
ground the 737 MAX 8 on Monday, signalling that other nations could follow
suit.
On Sunday, the 157 passengers and crew members of a 737 MAX operated by
Ethiopian Airlines were killed. Last October, the same model of plane,
operated by Lion Air, crashed in Indonesia, killing 189.
Only the flight data and cockpit conversation contained in the aircraft’s
two black boxes can provide tangible evidence of what may have caused the
latest accident — technical problems, pilot error or a combination of
factors.
“The pilot mentioned that he had difficulties and he wants to return. He
was given clearance” to turn around, Ethiopian Airlines chief executive
Tewolde GebreMariam told reporters in Addis Ababa.
Weather conditions were good in the Ethiopian capital at the time of the
flight.
– Coincidence or repeat problem? –
While Teal Group expert Richard Aboulafia said it was “too soon to make any
kind of meaningful comment,” another industry expert stressed the
similarities between the two incidents.
“It’s the same plane. Like Lion Air, the (Ethiopian Airlines) accident took
place shortly after takeoff and the pilots signaled they were experiencing
problems, then the plane crashed. The similarities are clear,” the expert
added, requesting anonymity to speak freely on the matter.
Chinese aviation authorities also noted the “similarities” between the two
deadly incidents, saying operations would only resume after “confirming the
relevant measures to effectively ensure flight safety.”
Boeing has delivered 76 of the aircraft to Chinese airlines, and another
104 are on order, according to data from the company’s website.
But Michel Merluzeau, director of Aerospace & Defense Market Analysis,
noted that “these are the only similarities, and the comparison stops there
as we do not have any other reliable information at this juncture.”
In both cases, the air carriers have solid reputations.
Since the Lion Air accident, the 737 MAX has faced growing skepticism from
the aviation community. The program had already encountered problems during
development.
MORE/MSY/1037 hrs
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In May 2017, Boeing had halted 737 MAX test flights due to quality concerns
with the engine produced by CFM International, a company jointly owned by
France’s Safran Aircraft Engines and GE Aviation.
In late January, 350 of the narrow-body, twin-engine planes were delivered
to customers out of 5,011 orders from Boeing.
The latest accident is a major blow for Boeing, whose MAX carriers are the
latest version of the Boeing 737, its bestseller of all times with more than
10,000 aircraft produced.
“MAX is a very important program for Boeing in the next decade. It
represents 64 percent of the company’s production to 2032, and has
significant operational margins,” said Merluzeau.
“It is an essential tool to global transport and trade.”
He said the next 24 hours are “key” for Boeing to manage the crisis with
both travelers and investors worried about the reliability of its plane.
– Market backlash expected –
Boeing said it was “deeply saddened” by the Ethiopian Airlines incident,
adding that a technical team would be providing assistance to investigators.
The expert who requested anonymity said Boeing will likely face some
backlash in the markets, but the damage will likely be limited for the group,
whose only significant competitor is Airbus.
The plane’s future is so important for Boeing that if any technical
corrections are needed, it will make them.
Following the October 29 incident in Indonesia, the aerospace community
raised questions about the lack of information on the plane’s anti-stall
system.
After investigators said the doomed aircraft had problems with its airspeed
indicator and angle of attack (AoA) sensors, Boeing issued a special bulletin
telling operators what to do when they face the same situation.
An AoA sensor provides data about the angle at which air passes over the
wings and tells pilots how much lift a plane is getting. The information can
be critical in preventing an aircraft from stalling.
BSS/AFP/MSY/1037 hrs