Tragic Ethiopian airlines crash that silenced the world

 

Sunday, March 10th, 2019 was marked by the devastating news of an Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 crash shortly after takeoff from Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa. As is now widely known, this is the second disaster involving the relatively new Boeing 737 MAX 8 in less than five months, raising serious safety concerns. In this article, we will delve into the technical aspects, including the flight path and behavior of the aircraft in its final moments. However, let us first address the human element of this tragedy.

Human Impact: Nationalities and Losses

Many nationalities were represented on board, but Kenya was the hardest hit, with 32 Kenyans among the victims. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those who lost loved ones. May the good Lord provide strength to those grieving during this very difficult time.

As is often the case with such disasters, some individuals narrowly escaped the tragedy. Flying is the safest mode of transport ever invented, making it virtually impossible to predict such an incident. In contrast, road users in countries like Kenya often face visible dangers, such as reckless driving, which sometimes allows them to avoid potential accidents.

Two individuals who missed the ill-fated flight are still reeling from relief and shock. One is Greek national Antonis Mavropoulos, who was en route to a UN conference in Nairobi. Mavropoulos missed the flight because he arrived at the gate moments after it had closed. Initially furious, he later realized the magnitude of his fortune when informed that the aircraft had crashed, killing all aboard.

Another individual, Hamid Khalid, a photographer, was scheduled to take the 8:00 AM flight but was reassigned to the 11:00 AM flight after his connecting flight from Dubai arrived late. Both men are grappling with the profound realization of narrowly escaping death.

Among the Victims: Notable Figures

Among the Kenyans who perished was Captain Yared Getachew, an experienced Ethiopian-born pilot who was reportedly a Kenyan national or held dual citizenship. Captain Getachew had extensive experience, having logged over 8,000 flight hours. His death is a significant loss to both nations.

One of the most prominent Kenyan victims was Jonathan Seex, the CEO of the Tamarind Group. The group owns several iconic establishments, including the Carnivore Restaurant in Nairobi and the Tamarind Dhow in Mombasa. Jonathan, the son of renowned entrepreneur Chris Seex, was born in Mombasa but spent much of his life abroad, only returning to Kenya later to join the family business. His tragic passing cuts short a legacy that had the potential to elevate the Tamarind Group further.

The Boeing 737 MAX 8: Technical Concerns

The Boeing 737 MAX 8 is one of the fastest-selling aircraft in Boeing's history, prized for its fuel efficiency and suitability for short- and medium-haul flights. However, despite its popularity, the aircraft has faced issues since it began service in 2016. The concerns intensified after the crash of Lion Air Flight 610 in October 2018, which bore striking similarities to the Ethiopian Airlines tragedy.

In both cases, officials suspect issues with the aircraft’s Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS). This system was designed to prevent stalling by automatically adjusting the plane's nose downward if it detects the aircraft climbing at too steep an angle. However, faulty sensor data can trigger this system unnecessarily, causing the nose to pitch down repeatedly. Pilots in both incidents appear to have struggled to counteract these automatic adjustments, leading to catastrophic outcomes.

Grounding and Global Response

Following the Ethiopian Airlines crash, several countries, including China, Indonesia, and Ethiopia, grounded their fleets of 737 MAX 8 aircraft as a safety precaution. Airlines such as Cayman Airways and Ethiopian Airlines have also followed suit. The grounding of these planes reflects the severity of the safety concerns surrounding this model.

It is worth noting that Ethiopian Airlines is one of the most reputable and safest airlines in the world. Known for its professionalism, it has built a stellar reputation not just in Africa but globally. The airline’s decision to ground its fleet underscores its commitment to safety.

Final Thoughts

As investigations continue, more information about the crash will undoubtedly come to light. This tragedy highlights the importance of rigorous testing and continuous monitoring of aircraft systems to ensure passenger safety. We extend our deepest condolences to all those affected by this disaster.

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