(2 minute read)
· Ethiopian investigators’ interim report is out now and blames
the U.S. aircraft manufacturer for the accident
· The ill-fated aircraft was carrying passengers from 33 countries
It is one year since the air disaster involving a Boeing 737 MAX plane
belonging to Ethiopian airlines had happened in Addis Ababa killing
157 people. Ethiopian investigators’ interim report is out now and
blames the U.S. aircraft manufacturer for the accident. Coming close
on the heels of crash of the same model plane in 2018 in Indonesia
killing 189 people, led to the grounding of Boeing’s 737 MAX
worldwide. This had shaved off billions off the company’s value and
several lawsuits were filed against the Boeing. Ethiopian
investigators report had given a clean chit to the airlines and pilots
handling the new brand and put the onus on the manufacturer.
According to the Interim report, inaccurate sensor readings activated
the MCAS anti-stall system that pointed the plane’s nose down as
pilots struggled to right it. The plane was pointing down 40 degrees
and hurtling to the ground at more than 500 feet per second. The
report was released in a subdued manner and not at a press conference
contrary to the expectations. The reactions from the Ministry of
Transport and airlines were also muted. Both refused to comment on the
developments. However, the responses from Boeing were more
circumspect. While reiterating condolences to the relatives of the
deceased people, Boeing said it looked forward to the full report and
formal recommendations. The ill-fated aircraft was carrying
passengers from 33 countries. The US aviation authorities also
refrained from commenting. One has to wait and see what that would
contain in the final report.
