Originally Posted by
MechEngr
What is interesting is the composition of the ET-302 crew was very similar to the Lion Air accident crew - long time NG pilot paired with a low-hour first officer. Why was that combination assigned a plane that had a world-wide known adverse reaction to a sensor defect; a reaction that can be easily seen by the trim wheel continuing to turn long after it would normally stop and felt by the increased trim forces that were easily countered with a thumb switch, when neither of them had demonstrated an ability to do so?
Both pilots demonstrated an ability to do so in their sim training, hence why they occupied those seats. What you mean to say is why did startle factor get the better of them in the moment. We can all sit here in our comfy armchairs and point fingers, but until you've had all the bells and whistles go off, you have no idea how you would react.
It is my understanding that the ET crew did actually do what was required of them to recover initially, what killed them was re-engaging the stab trim switches .. a fatal move indeed.
As for crew composition, I think that's irrelevant, and if anything, the finger should be pointed at Boeing even more. On a worldwide scale (with the exception of the US), the 737 is typically flown by relatively young captains with new first officers, for many of whom it's their first rating. Boeing knew this and it's nothing unique to ET or Lion. It makes unleashing a system with such deadly latent threats/faults look to be even more criminal.