Is This Believable? WSJ Attributes LATAM Boeing 787’s Sudden Nosedive To Motorized Pilot Seat Mishap 

Earlier this week, at least 50 people were hurt when a LATAM Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner suddenly nosedived. LATAM blamed the mid-air incident on a “technical event” without providing further details. Now, the Wall Street Journal reports, “A cockpit seat mishap might have pushed a pilot into the controls.” 

WSJ says the motorized feature of the pilot’s seat was enough to thrust the pilot forward into the yoke which caused the mid-air mishap: 

“A Latam Airlines flight attendant hit a switch on the pilot’s seat while serving a meal, leading a motorized feature to push the pilot into the controls and push down the plane’s nose, these officials said. The switch has a cover and isn’t supposed to be used when a pilot is in the seat.”

However, there’s no harm in asking questions. Given the chair’s speed (slow as a snail), is this story really believable? 

On Monday, the 787 was flying from Sydney to Auckland when sudden altitude loss sparked chaos in the cabin and injured 50 passengers. 

🚨🇳🇿UPDATE: 50 INJURED ON LATAM BOEING FLIGHT

Emergency services in New Zealand treated 50 people for injuries after passengers and crew were thrown into the ceiling, with one person in a serious condition.

Source: NZ Herald https://t.co/qPP0CriFSl pic.twitter.com/fgKbT7tFow

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) March 11, 2024

Latam said the company is working with aviation authorities as an investigation into the incident is ongoing. 

“We are in contact with our customer, and Boeing stands ready to support investigation-related activities as requested,” Boeing said in a statement.

Instead of a front-facing yoke, maybe Boeing should try Airbus-style side sticks?

WSJ’s report lacks definitiveness due to the journalist’s use of “might,” casting doubt on the report’s credibility, especially in light of Boeing’s series of issues.