USA TODAY investigation: Hidden defects linked to scores of small aircraft crashes
Hidden defects or dangerous designs have caused scores of small plane or helicopter crashes, a USA TODAY investigation shows. A wide array of defects have persisted for years as manufacturers have covered up problems, lied to federal regulators and failed to remedy known malfunctions. Some defective parts remained in use for decades - and some are still in use. Ref. USAToday
The National Transportation Safety Board has determined that actions by the pilots caused the crash of Asiana Airlines Flight 214 last year in San Francisco that killed three people and injured 187.
The board ruled that the flight crew mismanaged the airplane's descent during the visual approach; a pilot unintentionally deactivated the automatic air speed control; the flight crews inadequately monitored air speed and delayed in aborting the landing.
The complexities of the airplane's automatic throttle system -- inadequately described in manuals -- was one of five contributing factors, the NTSB said. Ref. CNN