@atpcliff
Asiana had the Autothrottles ON. Boeing told everyone, that with autothrottles ON, you would be speed protected...the plane wouldn't overspeed, and it wouldn't stall. Turns out Boeing's information to us was incorrect.
My airline is now changing their groundschool and training because of this. Our checkairman were VERY surprised to find out that they could stall with the autothrottles ON. Hopefully this accident will prevent some more serious ones in the future...
I don't know if Boeing ever said that, or if they ever recommended flying visual circuits/approaches in FLCH mode, which is some stupid idea!
Which brings me to the comment of Mr. Mouse
They are fine aeroplanes. Unfortunately, they cannot ever be designed to be foolproof in the hands of the poorly trained or marginally proficient.
Spot on. Basically there's no further comment to add.
XAAs take note or be oblivious!