The FBI has also joined the criminal probe in a support role. Justice Department for documents related to the development of the 737 MAX series. As part of the criminal investigation, the federal grand jury, based in Washington D.C., issued a subpoena on behalf of the U.S.
BEAST BATTLE SIMULATOR CRASHING SERIES
Department of Transportation (DOT) Office of Inspector General (OIG) opened an audit and evaluation of the FAA's 737 MAX series certification process and a criminal investigation looking into the aircraft’s safety-review process. ” But on March 13 the FAA updated their position stating, “The agency made this decision as a result of the data gathering process and new evidence collected at the site and analyzed.” The FAA further explained the grounding decision describing the similarities of the two crashes (Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines) and the "possibility of a shared cause" for the accidents. In the U.S., the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) initially stated that it had “no systemic performance issues and provides no basis to order grounding the aircraft. Shortly after, the aircraft was grounded in the European Union (EU), Indonesia, Mongolia, Singapore and other countries, either voluntarily by airlines or by order of their respective governments. On March 11, the China Civil Aviation Administration, citing its zero-tolerance policy for any safety hazards, became the first government authority to ground the 737 MAX 8. On March 11 Ethiopian Airlines announced it had grounded its 737 MAX 8. The 737 is the best-selling airliner in history, and the MAX, its newest version with more fuel-efficient engines, is a central part of Boeing's strategy to compete with European rival Airbus.
In March 2019, the Boeing 737 MAX passenger airliner was grounded by airlines and governments worldwide following the two crashes, which occurred less than five months apart, killing all 346 people aboard both flights. On March 10, 2019, Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashed six minutes after takeoff with 157 passengers and crew. On October 29, 2018, Lion Air Flight 610 crashed into the Java Sea twelve minutes after takeoff with 189 passengers and crew on board. Minimal impact in terms of 737 Max fixes, production, orders and delivery. FAA performs internal audit of safety-review process. Boeing management retained but company performs internal review of production and certification processes and procedures. Manufacturer found negligent of withholding MCAS data to FAA resulting in a hefty fine. Carriers found negligent in training program. Financial impact to 737 Max fixes, production, orders and delivery for both Boeing and operators.īest case – Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines share blame with Boeing. Additionally, DOT directs internal review of FAA certification process and incorporates findings and recommendations. Manufacturer directed to institute changes based off investigation findings and recommendations. Worse case – Boeing found criminally negligent (highly unlikely in our view). Lastly, Boeing (and suppliers) quality control of AOA sensors. FAA responsible for over-delegating certification reviews to Boeing. Boeing responsible for not disseminating MCAS information (prior to Lion Air crash), safety-review process, and withholding certain MCAS technical data to FAA during 737 Max series certifications.
BEAST BATTLE SIMULATOR CRASHING UPDATE
By Vaughn Cordle, CFA and Don McGregor, USAF Maj Gen (ret)īottom Line Up Front: UPDATE / March 23, 2019Ĭontributing Factors – Pilot error, insufficient training, inadequate MCAS information (insufficient description/data to FAA, carrier maintenance, and training manuals), faulty AOA sensors, cultural issues, and a deficient Boeing and FAA safety review process all contributed to the Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines 737 Max 8 crashes.Ĭulpability – Carriers responsible for inadequate training (Both Carriers) and proper maintenance practices (Lion Air).