Angle of attack sensor
External sensor shows how far the plane is pointed up or down. Gave wrong reading before both crashes
Horizontal stabilisers
Adjusted by autopilot’s MCAS system
Nose down
What is MCAS?
Manoeuvring characteristics augmentation system: software to prevent stalling when plane is climbing. Computer automatically tilts the plane’s nose downwards if sensor shows too high angle of attack
The fixes are:
1 Software: the MCAS system will no longer rely on one sensor, or kick in repeatedly
2 Pilots’ training manuals updated
3 Cockpit safety alert as standard: will show if second angle of attack sensor shows different reading
4 Possible extra sensor on newer models
737 Max 8
Length
39.52m
Passengers
210 max configuration
Height
12.3m
Wing span
35.9m
Angle of attack sensor
External sensor shows how far the plane is pointed up or down. Gave wrong reading before both crashes
Horizontal stabilisers
Adjusted by autopilot’s MCAS system
737 Max 8
Length
39.52m
Wing span
35.9m
Nose down
What is MCAS?
Manoeuvring characteristics augmentation system: software to prevent stalling when plane is climbing. Computer automatically tilts the plane’s nose downwards if sensor shows too high angle of attack
The fixes are:
1 Software: the MCAS system will no longer rely on one sensor, or kick in repeatedly
2 Pilots’ training manuals updated
3 Cockpit safety alert as standard: will show if second angle of attack sensor shows different reading
4 Possible extra sensor on newer models
Height 12.3m
Passengers
210 max configuration