Boeing Advises 787 Pilots to Check Seats After Latam Flight Incident

Boeing has instructed airlines operating 787 Dreamliners to have their pilots inspect their seats amid an ongoing investigation into an incident that occurred on a Latam flight.

This directive follows an event earlier this week where 50 individuals sustained injuries when a 787 aircraft experienced a sudden drop during a Latam Airlines flight. According to The Wall Street Journal, the mishap occurred when a flight attendant inadvertently activated a switch on the pilot’s seat, causing the pilot to be pushed into the controls, resulting in the plane’s nose being forced downward.

Latam Airlines is cooperating with the ongoing investigations into the incident, which left passengers thrown against the plane’s ceiling during the flight from Australia to New Zealand. Passenger Brian Jokat recounted that several individuals suffered head injuries, with some individuals hitting the ceiling with such force that it caused damage to the roof panels. He described witnessing a fellow passenger seemingly stuck to the ceiling, reflecting on a brief moment of fear during the ordeal.

Emergency responders reported that one individual was in serious condition following the incident.

In response, Boeing stated that the investigation into Flight LA800 remains ongoing and deferred to the investigation authorities regarding any potential findings. As a precautionary measure, Boeing reminded 787 operators of a service bulletin issued in 2017, which included instructions for inspecting and maintaining switches on flight deck seats. Operators were advised to conduct an inspection of these switches during the next scheduled maintenance opportunity.

Latam Airlines, the Chilean-Brazilian carrier, affirmed its commitment to collaborating with authorities in the ongoing investigation. The affected aircraft, slated to continue from Auckland to Santiago, had its departure cancelled, with a new flight scheduled for Tuesday.

This incident comes on the heels of another safety concern earlier this year when a door panel detached from a Boeing aircraft in January, prompting a subsequent report in February revealing missing bolts intended to secure the panel. Additionally, this week saw the tragic passing of a former Boeing employee known for raising apprehensions about the company’s production standards.