FAA: Inadvertent A220 Autopilot Engagement Almost Caused A Pair Of Catastrophic Incidents

It has been revealed by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that there have been two ‘nearly catastrophic’ incidents involving the Airbus A220 and inadvertent engagement of the autopilot function. As first reported by FlightGlobal, the regulator has issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) to address the issue. Let’s examine this closer in today’s video…

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[srinitaaigaura]

Let's hope regulators are strict about finding an immediate solution instead of waiting for a crash and people dying.

[delta_cosmic]

at least it's nothing like

MCAS (Might Crash Any Second)


ik its fix but the 737 max is still clownable.

[sinada]

I don't think a warning with extra procedure is enough. A220 needs an automation software or cockpit design upgrade to prevent inadvertent AP engagement during the takeoff roll. Otherwise, they might risk causing more similar incidents due to the lack of situational awareness in the future.

[GoatTheGoat]

Show the control panel and explain how the autopilot and autothrottle are activated.

[JayJayAviation]

I love how educated people are in the comments 😂

[dddaddy]

Woah. I guess there could be a hidden design issue behind it, but also, many operators are just familiarizing themselves with the type. In any case I'm glad it was caught in time.

[thesaint]

I bet FAA will give or ask for a permanent fix for this issue once a a220 crashes and people die.

[aycc-nbh]

So is this going to give the “If it’s Boeing, I ain’t going” crowd something that they may need to pay attention to, in addition to Jet Blue’s infamous A320 landing gear incident?

[kewlztertc]

The plane's software can be adjusted to prevent autopilot from engaging below a certain altitude, or within a certain time frame based on landing gear sensors.

This is odd, as most problems come from the autopilot unintentionally disengaging.

[tomstravels]

Can they not prevent activation of the autopilot below 400ft? Combination of radio altimeters and/or landing gear sensors

[georgewyatt]

I am not familiar with the A220 cockpit layout. However, perhaps changing the colours of the buttons concerned may help reduce the possibility pressing the wrong button in an intense moment of flight.

[rakon]

Why dont simply place a securing cap over the autopilot? THX 💙

[kahulub]

Hopefully this is fixed or a change will happen because I love the A220 (Its my 2nd fav plane, 1st being A320) and I don't want to see it with such a bad reputation

[outermarker]

0:38 Misleading. This is '38 incidents' among 230 aircraft yes, But those 230 aircraft are _doing THOUSANDS of CYCLES._ Every incident that threatens lives is significant, but this needs to be put in the proper context.
Design can always improve, but If anything, this may show improper training and/or fatigue factors more than anything else.

[potxiusupfotalongkorn]

Have it grounded. It would be very dangerous and have it recertified.

[theSlpr]

The other question is why is the auto throttle disengaging in the first place? As others have commented the software should be updated so the auto pilot cannot be engaged (even if the button is pressed) below 400ft. A buzzer/alarm could also sound to immediately notify the pilots that the auto pilot button they pressed didn't engage.

[JoePez]

Hmm… A popular modern narrow body plane with catastrophic autopilot failure. I feel like I’ve seen this one before

[sibua]

If that was a Boeing aircraft the FAA would have made them redesign the whole cockpit 😂😂😂😂😂😂😮

[johnmoloney]

At least its found before it becomes fatal

[theaircraftnerd]

I actually flew on an A220 few months ago, and they could add something that doesn't allow autopilot under 400 feet AGL