CAAM: Faulty airspeed, altitude instrument caused MAS flight to pitch up

 

The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia today released its preliminary review of Malaysia Airlines flight MH2664, which departed from Kuala Lumpur and was bound for Tawau on April 3 but had to turn back due to a technical issue.

The CAAM said the technical issue was a malfunctioning pitot-static system, which is an instrument that measures the pressure differences to determine airspeed and altitude.

“This malfunction produced a false speed indication onboard, resulting in the aircraft pitching up and deactivating the autopilot.

“In response to this, the pilot in command’s immediate and correct reaction was to regain positive control of the aircraft. 

“This is crucial to ensure that the aircraft remains under pilot control, based on remaining accurate indications by using remaining instruments,” CAAM chief executive officer Chester Voo said in a statement.

Voo said during this manoeuvre, safety data showed an “abrupt input” made by the pilot in an attempt to regain control of the aircraft.

Manoeuvres compounded by bad weather

However, these manoeuvres resulted in pitch and altitude changes that correspond with the pilot’s report and passengers’ experience on board.

“These corrective manoeuvres were compounded by bad weather which created passenger discomfort in the cabin.

“The flight crew’s initial actions taken and the execution of the abnormal recovery checklist as per standard operating procedure was sufficient based on CAAM’s investigations of the initial reports and based on flight data recorder (FDR),” he said.

Following the incident, CAAM said the affected Boeing 737-800 aircraft is grounded until further notice and will undergo a technical analysis from The Boeing Company.

“Root causes identified are actively addressed to ensure enhanced methods of training and safety for all aviation staff involved,” he said.

Moving forward, Voo said CAAM has also instructed Malaysia Airlines to enhance its Upset Prevention and Recovery Training programme to emphasise initial reaction and time taken to respond to issues.

“This will be mandated by CAAM to all commercial aircraft operators,” he said.

He added that MAS will also be required to issue an enhanced safety memo to mandate the need for improved initial action, reaction and reinforcing compliance to the abnormal recovery checklist.

The measures include a review analysis from the aircraft manufacturer of the failure and troubleshooting causes with enhanced corrective actions to improve an already compliant maintenance programme as well as a review with CAAM and a reliability report to focus on similar faults reported for recorded in-flight issues for the Boeing 737-800 fleet.

He added that MAS will also be asked to complete a pitot-static inspection that covers all disciplines including probe heating and resistance test on all of Malaysia Aviation Group's B737-800 series aircraft in its fleet.

“Follow-up to this, CAAM will issue additional requirements to ensure all areas are carefully addressed as necessary to ensure adherence to the best safety practices and to always uphold public safety. 

“CAAM would like to assure that the safety oversight system in Malaysia regulated by CAAM is stringent and effective in managing risks in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization rules and regulations,” he said.

Some passengers of the flight reportedly said the aircraft was “momentarily diving” after the seat belt light was turned off and food was being served.

“I am sure the plane was in a diving position. At that time, only death came to mind with other passengers screaming and crying,” a passenger had said. - Mkini