Bottom line on this accident folks: three pilots allowed the airspeed to fall 34 KIAS below the selected reference speed (110 vs 144 at 500 feet AGL). Don't blame the automatics folks, it is the pilots' responsibility to maintain a safe airspeed.
True. However.
Why didn’t the 737 get any “fundamental” upgrade since it was initially designed??? It has sooo many KNOWN design flaws, it is almost funny. Almost, because they are deadly. To name a few:
-split cockpit, wherein the left side does not know where the righthand side is going.
-airco switches design, whereby it is very difficult to see/determine how they are positioned(helios crash)
-single channel determines deceleration of the autobrakes. (Left irs only)
-single channel auththrottle, with input of single RALT. (Turkish at AMS)
-identical wailer for T/O config, OR cabin ALT. What the hell. Seriously.
-Recall system knob is prone to mishandling. Do NOT push it too hard or it will not indicate anything.
-Probably many more.
The reason for keeping all these stupid design flaws in there, is Boeing’s attempt to maintain one type rating. So according to Boeing, it is better for THEM to keep it cheap and competitive, while some people die in some third world country because of their incompetence.
Glad I dont fly it anymore. Later models of Boeing are better.
The only up-side of flying a 737, is that it makes you a better-than-average pilot. If you can fly a 737, than you can fly ANY Boeing airplane.