Aerospace

Failure to fix throttle led to Indonesia plane crash that killed 62: Report

Report on the #Sriwijaya Air crash, which killed 62 lives.

Investigators in Indonesia’s aviation industry came to the conclusion on Thursday that a Boeing 737-500 tragedy last year that killed 62 lives, a nearly decade-long to properly repair a malfunctioning automatic throttle, pilots’ overreliance on the plane’s automation system, and inadequate training contributed to the crash.

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The automatic throttle issue with the Sriwijaya Air jet, which had been reported by pilots 65 times since 2013 and had not yet been resolved when the 26-year-old aircraft crashed into the Java Sea after taking off from Jakarta on January 9, 2021, according to the final report by the National Transportation Safety Committee’s investigators.

As it got closer to the target altitude, the plane needed less engine push, but mechanical friction prevented the automatic throttle from turning down the power of the right engine.

The left engine’s power was further reduced, down to 34%, using the automatic throttle in an attempt to make up for the loss. The power of the right engine stayed at its climb level, or around 92%, resulting in drastically unequal thrust, based on the report. The airplane tumbled onto its left side as the pilot struggled to get it up in the air but was unable to recover from the position.

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After a minute, the flight recorder revealed that the automated throttle had been deactivated as the aircraft descended. A little while later, the recorder stopped recording.

Pilots can utilize the automated throttle to set the speed automatically, lessening their strain and engine wear in the process. 13 other plane parts are connected to the automatic throttle’s movements.

Numerous issues that contributed to the tragedy were exposed in a preliminary assessment released by Indonesian officials last year. New information on how the pilots responded to them was included in the final report that was issued on Thursday.

Source:

Related Topics:Indonesia plane crash Sriwijaya

Aerospace

EASA Ends Suspension on PIA, Approves Flights to Europe

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The suspension of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) from operating in Europe is finally over, marking a significant turning point for Pakistan’s aviation sector.

After years of scrutiny and stringent safety assessments, the European Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have officially lifted the ban on PIA. This decision also grants Airblue authorization to operate flights to Europe, further enhancing Pakistan’s connectivity with the region.

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PIA’s suspension, initially imposed in June 2020, was a direct consequence of concerns regarding the oversight capabilities of Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). These concerns were triggered shortly after a tragic PIA plane crash that claimed 97 lives, prompting an investigation into the validity of pilot licenses issued in the country.

Now, after four years of continuous efforts and reforms by the PCAA, EASA has expressed renewed confidence in Pakistan’s aviation regulatory framework. In a statement, EASA highlighted that Pakistan has successfully addressed safety compliance issues, enabling PIA to resume its operations within the European Union.

A spokesperson for PIA expressed optimism, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to strictly adhere to EASA’s regulations and guidelines. “This milestone has been achieved after four years of relentless efforts by the PIA management,” the spokesperson said.

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The lifting of the ban is expected to have a profound impact on PIA’s future. The airline, which employs over 7,000 people, has faced criticism in the past for poor management, financial instability, and regulatory challenges.

However, the restoration of European operations is seen as a vital step toward regaining its competitive edge, improving its financial standing, and restoring its reputation on the global stage.

Pakistan’s government, which has been exploring options to privatize the debt-laden national carrier, is hopeful that this development will attract foreign investment and bolster the country’s aviation industry.

With a renewed focus on compliance and safety, PIA is now poised to rebuild its presence in Europe, offering Pakistani travelers and international passengers more connectivity and improved service.