FAA Orders Major Checks on Boeing 787s Following Unexpected Incident

FAA Orders Major Checks on Boeing 787s Following Unexpected Incident

The FAA has mandated comprehensive inspections for the Boeing 787 fleet after a concerning midair descent incident.

At a Glance

  • The FAA will require inspections of hundreds of Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
  • The directive follows a LATAM Airlines incident in March where a plane’s sudden midair plunge injured at least 50 people.
  • The FAA has received four additional reports of similar issues since the incident.
  • Loose rocker switch caps on cockpit seats were identified as a cause in three incidents.

FAA Orders Inspections After Midair Descent Incident

In response to a recent incident where a Boeing 787 Dreamliner experienced a midair descent, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has mandated thorough inspections of the entire 787 fleet. This decision aims to address potential technical and mechanical issues, ensuring passenger safety remains paramount.

The directive came after a March flight by LATAM Airlines, which experienced a sudden descent injuring at least 50 individuals. The plunge occurred due to a cockpit seat jolting forward and disconnecting the autopilot system. The FAA has since received four similar reports, with the latest in June.

Identified Causes and Immediate Actions

Inspections revealed loose rocker switch caps on the backs of cockpit seats were responsible for the incidents in most cases. As a result, the FAA issued an airworthiness directive, labeling the “unsafe condition” of these seats a significant risk. This directive mandates inspections of 158 U.S.-registered 787 airplanes and 737 planes worldwide, to be conducted within 30 days.

“As a result, the FAA issued an airworthiness directive, citing the ‘unsafe condition’ of the seats, and required inspections of 158 U.S.-registered airplanes and 737 airplanes worldwide.”

Boeing officials have fully supported this directive, highlighting their commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards across their fleet. Moreover, the FAA’s decision to expedite these inspections reflects broader regulatory and public scrutiny of Boeing, especially concerning the 787 Dreamliner.

Ongoing Inspection and Resolution Efforts

In June, Boeing discovered hundreds of incorrectly installed fasteners on some undelivered jets. Earlier, in May, the FAA investigated whether Boeing had completed the necessary inspections or potentially falsified aircraft records. These developments underlined the increasing concerns about Boeing’s quality control processes.

The March incident, which involved severe turbulence and passenger injuries, has prompted swift actions to prevent any recurrence. Loose rocker switches causing cockpit seat movement are being inspected and corrected within a 30-day period, emphasizing the thoroughness of these safety measures.

Moreover, Boeing responds by taking proactive steps for the inspection of pilot seat switches. A spokesperson from Boeing mentioned confidence in the directives issued by the FAA, reinforcing their commitment to operational integrity.

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