LATAM Airlines Flight LA800: A Disturbing Incident in Aviation

On March 11, 2024, LATAM Airlines Flight LA800, traveling from Sydney to Auckland, faced a severe and unforeseen technical issue that put the lives of its passengers and crew in jeopardy. During the flight, the aircraft experienced a sudden and alarming drop in altitude, leading to panic and distress among those on board. This incident resulted in injuries, prompting an immediate response from aviation authorities in both Chile and New Zealand.

Immediate Investigations
In light of the event, Chile's Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC) and New Zealand’s Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) launched thorough investigations to determine the root cause of the technical fault. The primary objective is to ensure the safety of air travel by implementing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Affected passengers and crew members are encouraged to participate in the ongoing investigation by filling out an Expression of Interest (EOI) form. This allows them to stay informed about the progress of the investigation and explore potential compensation for the distress and injuries they suffered during the flight.

Preliminary Findings
In April 2024, various media outlets reported on the “preliminary report” from Chile’s Aviation Authority, which attributed the mid-flight plunge to an “involuntary movement forward” of the captain’s seat. Notably, the report clarified that weather conditions were not a contributing factor: “The meteorological conditions and lack of turbulence at the time of the incident were not causal or contributing factors.”

Further examination of the cockpit seat switch controls revealed significant discrepancies between the resting positions of the pilot's and first officer's seat switch covers. While the first officer’s seat cover sat flush with the seat back, the pilot's seat switch cover did not. This raises questions about whether the incomplete closure of the pilot's seat switch cover could have inadvertently activated the switch, causing the seat to move forward and potentially leading to the aircraft's instability.

Unanswered Questions
Despite the preliminary findings, several critical questions remain unanswered:

Maintenance and Componentry: What role did maintenance and the aircraft’s componentry play in this incident?
Impact of the Seat Movement: How did the sudden movement of the captain’s seat so violently affect the aircraft’s cruise?

Preventative Measures: What safety measures were in place to prevent such occurrences?
Speculation suggests that a crew member may have accidentally activated the seat switch by pressing down on the cover, which could have pushed the pilot against the controls and forced the aircraft into a dive. However, this remains mere conjecture until further investigations provide clarity.

Ongoing Monitoring and Support
We are closely monitoring developments in the Chilean Aviation Authority investigation and advising clients on an individual basis. Additionally, we are looking into the history of cockpit seat switch controls on 787 Dreamliner aircraft, especially considering Boeing issued warnings regarding these switches in 2017 and again after the March 11 incident.

As this investigation unfolds, it is essential for those affected by the incident to stay informed and seek support as needed. The aviation industry must prioritize safety to prevent such distressing events from happening in the future, ensuring that passengers can travel with peace of mind.