FAA Orders Urgent Inspections of Boeing 787s After Midair Dive Incident Injures 50
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a critical airworthiness directive for Boeing 787 Dreamliners following a distressing incident in March that left over 50 passengers injured. The mandate requires immediate inspections of 158 U.S.-registered and 737 Dreamliners globally due to serious safety concerns.
Midair Crisis Sparks Urgent Action
The FAA’s directive comes in response to a troubling midair incident involving a LATAM Airlines flight, where a sudden and severe plunge was traced back to a malfunction in the cockpit seats. The malfunction occurred when a seat jolted forward, disconnecting the autopilot system and causing the plane to dive rapidly. This incident prompted a deeper investigation into the safety of the 787’s cockpit seating system.
Following the LATAM Airlines incident, the FAA reported four additional similar cases of cockpit seat malfunctions, with the most recent occurring in June. The common factor in three of these cases was identified as loose rocker switch caps on the backs of cockpit seats. The remaining incidents are still under investigation.
Comprehensive Inspections Required
To address these safety concerns, the FAA has mandated that inspections be completed within 30 days. This directive is aimed at ensuring that all affected Boeing 787s are thoroughly checked for potential issues with the cockpit seats that could jeopardize flight safety.
A Boeing spokesperson expressed support for the FAA’s directive, emphasizing the company’s commitment to addressing any safety concerns promptly. “We fully support the directive and are working closely with the FAA to ensure all necessary inspections and repairs are carried out swiftly,” the spokesperson said.
Ongoing Scrutiny for Boeing
This latest safety directive adds to Boeing’s growing list of regulatory challenges related to the 787 Dreamliner. The company has faced intense scrutiny in recent months, including revelations of hundreds of incorrectly installed fasteners on undelivered jets and investigations into potential falsifications of aircraft records.
Additionally, a whistleblower’s claims earlier this year raised concerns about unresolved assembly flaws in Dreamliners, prompting further calls for a halt in production. Despite these issues, Boeing has maintained confidence in the Dreamliner, asserting that the aircraft meets all safety standards.
Industry Impact and Future Steps
The FAA’s directive underscores the broader concerns surrounding Boeing’s quality control and regulatory compliance. As the aviation industry closely monitors the situation, the outcome of these inspections will be critical in determining the safety and reliability of the Boeing 787 fleet.
For now, airlines operating the Dreamliner will need to prioritize these inspections to ensure passenger safety and maintain regulatory compliance. The swift resolution of these issues is essential for restoring confidence in the Dreamliner and preventing future incidents.
As Boeing navigates these challenges, the FAA’s proactive measures reflect the ongoing commitment to aviation safety and the importance of rigorous oversight in the face of emerging concerns.
