Ethical and Technical Failures in The Boeing 737 Max

The Boeing 737 Max incidents involving the crashes of Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 have brought to light significant ethical and technical failures within the aviation industry. These incidents have resulted in tragic loss of lives, highlighted the prioritization of profits over safety, and underscored the inadequacies in regulatory oversight and corporate responsibility. This essay will examine the ethical and technical failures within the Boeing 737 Max and argue for the need to improve safety regulations and corporate responsibility in the aviation industry.

Overview of the Boeing 737 Max incidents

The Lion Air Flight 610 crash occurred on October 29, 2018, when a Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft crashed into the Java Sea shortly after takeoff. This was followed by the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crash on March 10, 2019, where another Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Addis Ababa. Both incidents resulted in the loss of all passengers and crew on board.

The similarities in both incidents point to recurring issues, including the malfunction of the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) and the lack of proper pilot training and awareness of the system. These technical failures will be further explored in the following sections as we delve into the ethical and technical failures within the Boeing 737 Max.

Ethical failures in the Boeing 737 Max

Boeing's negligence in prioritizing profits over safety is evident in the cost-saving decisions made during the aircraft's development. For instance, the decision to use a software system (MCAS) to address the aircraft's aerodynamic deficiencies instead of a more comprehensive redesign was financially motivated. According to a report by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Boeing's cost-benefit analysis showed that redesigning the aircraft would be more costly and time-consuming, pushing them to prioritize profitability over safety.

In addition, the lack of transparency and inadequate communication with the airlines and pilots further compounded the ethical failures. The flawed flight manual and incomplete training materials provided to the airlines and pilots led to a lack of awareness and understanding of the MCAS system, contributing to the subsequent crashes. Furthermore, Boeing's slow response to pilot reports and concerns regarding the MCAS system reflected a disregard for the safety of the aircraft and its passengers.

Technical failures in the Boeing 737 Max

The design flaws and reliance on the MCAS system in the Boeing 737 Max played a significant role in the technical failures. The MCAS was designed to automatically adjust the aircraft's angle to prevent stalling, but its implementation was flawed and lacked adequate checks and balances. Boeing's assumption that pilots would be able to counter any MCAS malfunction was proven to be misjudged, leading to the two fatal crashes.

Moreover, the insufficient testing and certification procedures of the MCAS system and the overall aircraft design also contributed to the technical failures. The flawed assumptions and unrealistic scenarios in the flight simulator tests, combined with the inadequate oversight by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the certification process, raise significant concerns about the thoroughness and rigor of the safety assessments conducted by regulatory bodies.

Consequences of the failures

The consequences of these ethical and technical failures are profound. The loss of human lives in the two crashes has had a devastating impact on the victims' families and has shaken public confidence in the safety of air travel. Additionally, Boeing has faced significant economic repercussions, including a halt in production of the 737 Max, costly litigations, and damage to its reputation. The aviation industry as a whole has also been affected, with increased scrutiny and skepticism towards aircraft manufacturers and regulatory bodies.

Proposed solutions and future considerations

To prevent similar incidents in the future, there is a critical need for improved safety regulations and oversight by regulatory bodies. The FAA's role in the certification process must be reevaluated, with reforms implemented to ensure that safety is paramount in the approval of new aircraft designs and systems.

Furthermore, enhanced corporate responsibility and accountability are essential for restoring public trust and ensuring the safety of air travel. Ethical decision-making and transparency should be prioritized within companies like Boeing, and a culture of safety must be ingrained in every aspect of aircraft design, production, and operation.

Conclusion

The ethical and technical failures within the Boeing 737 Max incidents have exposed fundamental flaws in the aviation industry. Improved safety regulations and corporate responsibility are essential in preventing similar tragedies in the future. The lessons learned from these incidents must serve as a catalyst for meaningful change, ensuring the safety and well-being of all air travelers.

References:

1. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure report on the Boeing 737 Max crashes. https://transportation.house.gov/committees/press/technology-and-communications/transportation-committee-chairmen-request-doj-investigation-into-boeing
2. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and certification processes. https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/faa_regulations/
3. Boeing's response and actions following the 737 Max incidents. https://www.boeing.com/737-max-updates/