Ethiopia urges Boeing to review controls after findings show pilots not at fault in fatal crash

Ethiopia has urged Boeing to review its flight control technology after a preliminary report found that the pilot flying the doomed flight was not at fault when the plane crashed.

Ethiopian investigators found that pilots on the Boeing 737 Max flight, which crashed and killed all 157 on board, followed all correct procedures but were unable to control the flight.

“The crew performed all the procedures repeatedly provided by the manufacturer but was not able to control the aircraft,” Transport Minister Dagmawit Moges told a news conference today while presenting the outlines of a preliminary report, which is expected to be published in full by Friday.

She added: “Since repetitive uncommanded aircraft nose down conditions are noticed … it is recommended that the aircraft control system shall be reviewed by the manufacturer."

Since the crash earlier this month, Boeing has grounded its entire global fleet of the 737 Max aircraft.

Ethiopian Airlines group chief executive Tewolde GebreMariam said the flyer was proud of the pilots in charge of the flight.

“All of us at Ethiopian Airlines are still going through deep mourning for the loss of our loved ones,” he said.

“We are very proud of our pilots’ compliances to follow the emergency procedures and high level of professional performances in such extremely difficult situations.”

Boeing has unveiled a software patch for the 737 Max after fatal crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia.

The plane’s anti-stall system has been seen as a possible factor in the disasters.