Report Reveals Pilots ‘Followed Recommended Procedures’

The preliminary report into the Ethiopian Airways crash which killed 157 people last month has raised “significant questions” which must be addressed according to specialist aviation lawyers.

During a news conference to mark the release of the report, it was confirmed that the pilots of the Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft had followed recommended procedures prior to the incident on March 10th but were unable to control the aircraft and it nosedived several times before finally hitting the ground shortly after take-off from Addis Ababa.

Expert Opinion

“It is very welcome to see investigators working swiftly to issue information regarding the Ethiopian Airlines crash, but their preliminary conclusions raise significant concerns.

“The primary findings show that the Ethiopian Airways’ pilots correctly and repeatedly followed the flight procedures recommended by Boeing. Despite their efforts they were unable to control the aircraft and prevent it from crashing with the loss of all 157 passengers and crew onboard

“Boeing has previously maintained that pilots could disable the controversial MCAS system, which in effect pushes the nose of the aircraft down, by following their standard flight operating procedures. We are keen to hear Boeing’s reaction to today’s announcement from investigators working on the Ethiopian Airways crash which appears to contradict Boeing’s previous statement.

“Since the Crash of Ethiopian Airways Flight 302 Boeing has agreed to alter their onboard software systems and introduce a number of other important safety features to the 737 Max 8. We obviously welcome all changes which will improve future flight safety. Despite this, significant questions remain as to why these steps had not been taken earlier and whether earlier implementation could have saved the lives of 338 innocent people who perished on board the Lion Air and Ethiopian Airways flights." Clive Garner - Consultant

The Ethiopian Airways crash was the second in five months to involve a Boeing 737 MAX 8 and the entire aircraft range was grounded as a result of the two incidents and concerns about their safety. Boeing has since announced it is introducing changes to control systems on the aircraft.

Irwin Mitchell’s specialist aviation lawyers have vast experience in supporting those injured in air-related incidents, as well as providing advice to families who have lost loved ones in disasters across the globe.

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