Boeing 737-Max incidents
Boeing 737 MAX Incidents Timeline
Comprehensive overview of serious incidents and accidents involving the Boeing 737 MAX series aircraft
2018
Aircraft: Boeing 737 MAX 8 (PK-LQP)
Location: Java Sea, Indonesia
Casualties: 189 fatalities (all on board)
Description: Aircraft crashed into the Java Sea approximately 13 minutes after takeoff from Jakarta. Investigation revealed erroneous angle-of-attack sensor data caused MCAS (Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System) to repeatedly force the nose down.
2019
Aircraft: Boeing 737 MAX 8 (ET-AVJ)
Location: Near Bishoftu, Ethiopia
Casualties: 157 fatalities (149 passengers + 8 crew)
Description: Aircraft crashed 6 minutes after takeoff from Addis Ababa. Similar to Lion Air 610, caused by erroneous AoA sensor data triggering MCAS to repeatedly push nose down despite pilot inputs.
Action: FAA grounded all Boeing 737 MAX aircraft
Scope: Global grounding affecting all MAX variants
Duration: March 2019 - November 2020 (20 months)
Reason: Following Ethiopian Airlines crash, satellite data and wreckage evidence suggested similar MCAS-related issues as Lion Air 610.
2020
Action: FAA lifts grounding order
Requirements: MCAS software updates, pilot training requirements
Modifications: Enhanced flight control systems, improved pilot procedures
Description: After extensive modifications and testing, the 737 MAX was cleared to return to commercial service with enhanced safety systems.
2024
Aircraft: Boeing 737 MAX 9 (N704AL)
Location: Portland, Oregon (emergency landing)
Casualties: 0 fatalities, 3 minor injuries
Description: Door plug blew out at 16,000 feet causing explosive decompression. Aircraft safely returned to Portland. Incident attributed to missing door plug bolts during manufacturing.
Action: FAA grounds 171 Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft
Scope: All MAX 9s with door plug configuration
Duration: January 6-24, 2024
Reason: Safety inspections following Alaska Airlines door plug incident to check door plug bolt installations.
Aircraft: Boeing 737 MAX 8
Location: En route Phoenix to Oakland
Casualties: 0 fatalities
Description: Aircraft experienced uncontrolled side-to-side yawing motion (Dutch roll) at 32,000 feet. Pilots successfully landed aircraft safely in Oakland. Incident under investigation for structural or control system issues.