Automated flight stablising system caused fatal Lion Air crash
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Occurred: October 2018
Page published: February 2025
Lion Air Flight 610, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, crashed into the Java Sea 13 minutes after takeoff from Jakarta, killing all 189 people on board and raising serious concerns about an automated system that pitched the jetliner’s nose down repeatedly.
What happened
What happened
The aircraft experienced multiple issues shortly after takeoff, including erroneous airspeed and altitude readings, with the plane's Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) repeatedly pushed the nose down, despite the pilots' attempts to counteract it.
The flight crashed into the Java Sea at approximately 450 mph, resulting in the deadliest accident in Lion Air's history and the most severe crash involving a Boeing 737.
The crash resulted in the loss of 189 lives, causing immense grief for families, friends and communities.
Why it happened
Why it happened
The crash was found by the US National Safety Transportation Board to have been caused by a combination of factors, notably:
Design flaws, including the expanded functionality of the MCAS system.
A misaligned angle of attack (AOA) sensor provided incorrect data to the flight control computer.
The MCAS system, designed to rely on a single AOA sensor, was vulnerable to erroneous input.
Inadequate documentation and communication about previous issues with the aircraft.
Insufficient pilot training on handling MCAS-related emergencies.
What it means
What it means
The incident led the grounding of all Boeing 737 MAX aircraft worldwide snd a major crisis for the aircraft manufacturer.
It also prompted serious safety concerns in the aviation industry, leading to, amongst other things, to:
Increased scrutiny of aircraft certification processes and the relationship between manufacturers and regulators
A reevaluation of pilot training programmes and the importance of clear communication about new aircraft systems, and
A renewed focus on the need for redundancy in critical flight systems and the potential risks of over-reliance on automation.
Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System
The Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) is a flight stabilizing feature developed by Boeing that became notorious for its role in two fatal accidents of the 737 MAX in 2018 and 2019, which killed all 346 passengers and crew among both flights.
Source: Wikipedia 🔗
System 🤖
System 🤖
Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS)
Documents 📃
Documents 📃
Developer: Boeing
Country: Indonesia
Sector: Transport/logistics
Purpose: Adjust aircraft pitch
Technology: Software algorithms
Issue: Accuracy/reliability; Safety
Investigations, assessments, audits 👁️
Investigations, assessments, audits 👁️
National Safety Transportation Board. Investigation of Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302
News, commentary, analysis 🗞️
News, commentary, analysis 🗞️
AIAAIC Repository ID: AIAAIC0122
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