Why Did the Boeing 737 MAX Crash?
The Boeing 737 MAX is the fourth generation of the most popular jetliner, the Boeing 737. The plane has been the workhorse of commercial airlines around the world. The 737 MAX was introduced in 2017 and has since achieved a big success in the aviation industry. However, the plane has been mired in controversy since two fatal crashes involving the plane occurred in 2018 and 2019, leaving 346 people dead. This has raised questions of why the plane crashed and whether or not Boeing is responsible. In this article, we will discuss the Boeing 737 MAX crash and look at the key factors that may have contributed to these tragedies.
Understanding the 737 MAX
Before we dive into the specifics of the crash, it is important to understand the context and background of the Boeing 737 MAX. The plane was first introduced in 2017 with the aim of being the most fuel-efficient single-aisle plane available. It was the result of years of research and engineering work by Boeing and its subsidiaries. The plane achieved this efficiency by using larger, more efficient engines and a redesigned wing that optimized aerodynamic performance.
The 737 MAX was designed to be an upgrade compare to its predecessor, the 737NG, and thus, it was originally classified as the same “type” of plane by the aviation regulatory agency FAA. This decision would prove to be controversial later on, as it meant that pilots who were certified to fly the 737NG were automatically able to fly the 737 MAX without needing further training.
Safety System Failure
The 737 MAX was equipped with a new system called the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System, or MCAS. This system was intended to compensate for the plane’s new aerodynamic design and make it easier to fly. MCAS used sensors to detect when the nose of the plane was pointed too high in the air and would automatically lower the nose in order to prevent a stall.
The problem was that this system was not properly tested or accounted for in flight simulations. Additionally, the pilots were not made aware of the system and thus, were not given proper training for how to respond to a situation where the system failed. As a result, when the system malfunctioned, the pilots were not able to respond quickly and appropriately, leading to crashes in both cases.
Pilot Error
Another factor in both crashes was the actions of the pilots. In the case of Lion Air, the pilots reportedly followed the wrong checklist and responding incorrectly when MCAS malfunctioned. In the case of Ethiopian Airlines, the pilots appeared to be facing the same checklist issue, but they had a different issue — they were not aware of the MCAS system and could not handle the situation properly.
Faulty Design
It is also important to consider the design of the 737 MAX, as it may have been responsible for the failures of MCAS. In particular, the sensors used by MCAS have been criticized for the fact that the inputs were not calibrated properly. This meant that when the plane was pitched up, the nose would dip more than it should have, leading to the loss of control.
Furthermore, the system was designed in such a way that it was difficult to know when it had activated and thus, pilots were often unaware of the issue. This combined with the lack of pilot training has been cited as a major factor in the crashes.
Boeing Responsibility
Lastly, it is important to consider the role of Boeing in all of this. Boeing has come under considerable scrutiny for the way in which it handled the development of the 737 MAX. Boeing had initially classified the plane as “existing type” despite the major modifications, meaning pilots did not need additional training.
In addition, Boeing failed to disclose the MCAS system to pilots and regulators, meaning the pilots and regulators had very little idea that the system existed. This lack of transparency and oversight has been heavily criticized and has left many to wonder if Boeing is to blame for the crash.
The crash of the Boeing 737 MAX has raised a lot of questions about the cause, responsibility, and safety of the plane. Multiple factors come into play when discussing the crash, from the design of the plane to the actions of the pilots. It is clear that the combination of these factors led to the crash and to ensure that similar tragedies do not occur in the future, more attention needs to be paid to the development of planes, training of pilots and the level of transparency with regulators and passengers.
