ADDIS ABABA-Preliminary findings from the ongoing investigation into the doomed ET 302 737 MAX 8 implicate mechanical issue to be involved in the accident with the investigation team recommending Boeing and aviation authorities to conduct safety review.
Disclosing the preliminary report yesterday, Ministry of Transport Dagmawit Mogoss told international and local journalists that the pilots of the crashed aircraft were trying exhaustively and repeatedly to control the plane but the attempts went unsuccessful. The pilots who were qualified and accredited could not recover the airplane from the persistence and ‘uncommanded’ nose diving, she said.
“The aircraft’s airworthiness was certified. The crew obtained required qualification and was capable of flying adding that takeoff appeared very normal and the crew performed all procedures provided by Boeing but was unable to control the aircraft.” The accident investigation committee headed by Ethiopian Transport Ministry that has been in charge of investigation is working in line with international standards and aviation investigation procedures.
The team of investigation is composed of national transport safety board of America representing the manufacturer and state of design and Ethiopian airlines, some professionals from civil aviation authority of Ethiopia and the bureau of inquiry and analysis for civil aviation safety of France. Based on the initial information the team gathered, two safety investigations have been provided.
Since repetitive uncommanded nose down conditions are noticed in the preliminary investigation, it is recommended that the aircraft flight control system related to the flight controllability shall be reviewed by the manufacture, according to the recommendation of the report. Aviation authorities shall verify that the review of the aircraft flight control system related to flight controllability has been adequately addressed by the manufacturer before releasing of the aircrafts to operation, also the report reveals. Flight number ET 302 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft was en route to Kenya before crashing near Bishoftu killing all on board with victims from 35 nations.
The Ethiopian Herald April 5/2019
BY DESTA GEBREHIWOT
