The sudden mid-air plunge on a LATAM Airlines flight from Sydney to Auckland that injured 50 people on Monday, was allegedly caused by a cockpit seat mishap that pushed the pilot into the controls of the Boeing 787, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing industry officials from the United States.
A flight attendant unintentionally hit a switch located on the pilot's seat while serving a meal, causing a motorized failure that pushed the pilot into the controls of the plane. The switch has a protective cover by default and is not meant to be used while a pilot is in the seat. A LATAM spokesperson said the company is working with authorities on the investigation.
"We are in contact with our customer, and Boeing stands ready to support investigation-related activities as requested," Boeing said in a statement.