The frightening midair plunge by a LATAM Airlines flight this week may have been caused by a flight attendant’s carelessness.
The Wall Street Journal reports the flight attendant may have inadvertently pressed a switch on the pilot’s seat.
This activated a motorized function which pushed the seat into the controls causing the plane to nose dive.
This theory comes from a US source who has been briefed on the investigation, the WSJ says.
The pilot was able to resume control and the Dreamliner jet landed safely.
However, the abrupt plunge caused dozens of injuries to passengers and crew.
Some were thrown into the cabin ceiling
The airline hasn’t yet responded to the report.
LATAM earlier said it ‘was a technical event during the flight which caused a strong movement.’
It said it wouldn’t comment further while the investigation is ongoing.
Boeing is assisting New Zealand, Australian and Chilean aviation officials with the investigation.
The black boxes are currently being analyzed by the New Zealand Transport Accident Investigation Commission.
