Investigation Launched into Terrifying LATAM Airlines Flight Incident

Chile‘s aviation authority, DGAC, is leading the investigation into a harrowing incident involving a LATAM Airlines Boeing 787 flight from Sydney to Auckland. The sudden midair dive left over 50 passengers injured, prompting concerns and questions about the cause of the alarming trajectory shift.

Investigators from DGAC are en route to New Zealand to spearhead the probe in collaboration with the New Zealand Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC). This joint investigation is crucial in unraveling the mystery behind the abrupt drop that resulted in passengers being flung around the cabin, with one person suffering serious injuries and around 50 others with minor injuries.

The DGAC stated that, according to international rules under Annex 13 governing aircraft accident investigations, they have taken the lead due to the Chilean registration of the aircraft involved. The flight, which included 263 passengers and nine crew members, had a scheduled stop in Auckland before continuing on to Santiago.

Passenger Brian Adam Jokat recounted the terrifying experience of waking up to see individuals propelled to the plane’s ceiling before crashing back down. He described the chaos and panic that ensued, highlighting the severity of the incident that left him momentarily questioning his own safety.

New Zealand’s TAIC is actively collecting evidence for the inquiry, including retrieving the crucial cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder, commonly referred to as ‘black boxes’, that hold vital information about the flight’s trajectory and communications during the event.

Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, expressed readiness to assist with the investigation and gather more information about the flight in question. The incident has sparked fresh concerns about aviation safety and comes at a challenging time for Boeing amid prior controversies and safety issues with its aircraft models.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) flagged safety concerns with engine anti-ice systems on the 737 Max and 787 Dreamliner, though both planes are still cleared to fly as the issues are being addressed through standard procedures. FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker has requested Boeing to present a detailed plan to resolve the identified quality issues within the next 90 days.

As the investigation progresses, the aviation industry remains on edge, awaiting answers that will shed light on the cause of the alarming midair incident that shook passengers and raised significant safety concerns.