FAA orders immediate inspection of 895 Boeing 787 aircraft after LATAM incident

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8 months ago

U.S. authorities on Monday ordered the immediate inspection of 895 Boeing 787 family aircraft to verify the functioning of pilot and co-pilot seats following an incident involving a LATAM Airlines aircraft in March.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) noted in a statement the issuance of “an Airworthiness Directive effective immediately” for certain Boeing 787-8, 787-9 and 787-10 aircraft.

The order states that airlines operating these aircraft must inspect the captain’s and co-pilot’s seats for missing, or broken, switch covers within the next 30 days.

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FAA indicated that 158 of the aircraft affected by the directive are registered in the United States and 737 in the rest of the world.

In March, a LATAM Airlines 787-9 suddenly plummeted while flying from Australia to New Zealand, injuring 50 people.

After investigating, FAA determined that the incident occurred because a crew member inadvertently touched a switch located on the pilot’s seat that did not have a cover to prevent accidental activation.

The switch disconnected the aircraft’s autopilot and ultimately caused the aircraft to crash. FAA has received reports of similar incidents on other Boeing 787 aircraft.

The FAA also said Boeing had informed it the company discovered a damaged component following a 777-9 flight test last week.

Boeing added “no near-term flight tests were planned on the other flight test airplanes” and said the part is custom to the 777-9.

Boeing in July began certification flight testing of its long-delayed 777-9 with FAA regulators onboard after receiving Type Inspection Authorization.

With information from EFE and Reuters