Led To A Lengthy Redesign Of The Airplane's Computers

A near-accident during a simulated flight in June led to an extensive delay in the recertification of the 737 MAX, according to media reports.

Bloomberg reports that sources familiar with the incident indicated that the flight included a simulated computer glitch which caused an aggressive dive similar to those which led to two fatal accidents involving the airplane. That led to the extensive redesign of the computer systems which have delayed the airplane's reentry into service for months.

The sources said that the new problem goes beyond the initial issues that led to the accidents. While Boeing engineers had originally believed they could modify the MCAS, the problem that was discovered during the June simulation flight led to a complete redesign of the dual computer systems in the aircraft, which is considerably more complicated, according to The Hill. Former Boeing engineer Peter Lemme told Bloomberg that the number of scenarios that will need to be tested could be far more extensive.

The process has also been delayed by the FAA's requirements for documentation from Boeing. The agency is asking for additional documentation from the planemaker, which led to Boeing releasing a statement saying that it has been providing documentation "“in a format consistent with past submissions.”

“Regulators have requested that the information be conveyed in a different form, and the documentation is being revised accordingly,” the statement indicated.

“While this happens we continue to work with the FAA and global regulators on certification of the software for safe return of the MAX to service.”

Boeing has projected that the 737 MAX will return to service in January.

FMI: Source report
Source report