Probe into LATAM Airlines Boeing 787 Dive Focuses on Flight Deck Seat Movement

On Monday, 11 March, a LATAM Airlines Boeing 787 plane, en route from Sydney to Auckland, experienced a sudden mid-air dive, injuring over 50 people on board. The movement of a flight deck seat has emerged as a focal point in the investigation into this alarming incident, as reported by the Air Current, an aviation industry publication.

Possible Causes

Initial assessments suggest that the seat movement was likely "pilot induced, not intentionally," according to a senior airline safety official. This unexpected movement resulted in the aircraft's nose-down angle, causing turbulence within the cabin. Additionally, the investigation is considering the potential impact of an electrical short on the plane's systems.

Boeing's Response

Boeing is anticipated to issue a communication to 787 operators addressing the incident, indicating a potential systemic issue. While details of this message are yet to be disclosed, the company has refrained from commenting and directed inquiries to the relevant investigating authorities.

Regulatory Involvement

Chile's aviation regulator, overseeing the inquiry as the flight involved a Chilean airline in international airspace, confirmed that the investigation is in its initial stages. Furthermore, LATAM Airlines has affirmed its commitment to collaborating with the authorities throughout the investigation process.

Continued Uncertainty

As of now, the specific cause behind the sudden alteration in the flight's trajectory remains elusive. In such cases, safety experts emphasize the need for a comprehensive examination to discern the various contributing factors.

Recovery of Key Recordings

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission of New Zealand has secured the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder from the flight. These crucial recordings are expected to shed light on the pilots' communications and the sequence of events leading up to the incident.

The investigation into this distressing event is ongoing, with a multifaceted approach being undertaken to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the mid-air dive of the LATAM Airlines Boeing 787 plane.