Originally Posted by
YYZjim
Once is airplane error; twice is pilot error.
Wright Bros broke more than 2 planes...
If you amend your comment from PIlot Error to Human Error, which would include the software designers, the DER's operating under the ODA, the Regulatory oversight of the OEM, the airline management response, the mechanics undertaking fault finding of apparently repetitive defects, the regulatory oversight of the operational and maintenance program, and possibly the pilots, then that may be a valid statement.
The pilots here were the first to the scene of the accident, and in these cases they had an interest in surviving, yet didn't. Pretty easy post hoc to brand the crew with the fault, when they are confronted with what appears to be events that precluded a safe outcome, irrespective of how clear and simple that appears to us sitting around our computers and relaxing, without being placed in a life threatening situation. When we know why the second crew didn't sort it out, the industry will have gained valuable knowledge and maybe hardened against similar future events. With the knowledge that the 2nd crew had been briefed on the issue, the fact that it didn't end well is important, and until we understand why that was the case, the system will have a hole in it.
“There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact.” Arthur Conan Doyle