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Widespread Equipment Failures on US Jetliners Impede Speed Readings

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Federal investigators have uncovered at least a dozen instances where malfunctioning equipment on US jetliners made it impossible for pilots to determine their flying speed. This discovery comes on the heels of a similar breakdown believed to have contributed to the Air France crash in June, which resulted in the loss of all 228 lives on board. The finding suggests that equipment problems are more prevalent than initially thought, heightening urgency for airlines to replace air sensors and rectify the situation. Despite safety systems in place, the errors went undetected until safety officials began investigating the Air France crash and two other recent inflight malfunctions.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least a dozen recent US jetliner flights experienced malfunctioning equipment making it impossible for pilots to determine their flying speed.
  • A similar breakdown is believed to have played a role in the Air France crash in June, which resulted in the loss of all 228 lives on board.
  • Equipment failures involved Northwest Airlines Airbus A330s and were brief, only noticed after safety officials investigated the Air France crash and two other inflight malfunctions.
  • The failures occurred on planes with sensors made by the European electronics giant Thales Corp.
  • The Air France crash revealed reliability issues with the sensors, prompting a rush to replace them among airlines.
  • The equipment failures emphasize the importance of accurate speed data for airplane control systems, which rely on pitot tubes to measure changing air pressure.

Statistics:

  • At least 12 US jetliner flights experienced malfunctioning equipment, making it impossible for pilots to determine their flying speed.
  • 228 lives were lost in the Air France crash believed to be related to a similar equipment breakdown.
  • The failures involved Northwest Airlines Airbus A330s, which are equipped with sensors made by Thales Corp.
  • The Air France crash occurred in June.
  • Thales Corp. manufactured the Air France flight's pitot tubes.

Sources:

  • The Seattle Times
  • Reuters
  • Bloomberg

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