Role of AOA Sensor and MCAS Activation in Boeing Max 8 Flights – A Case Study of Lion Air JT610 and Ethiopian Airlines ET302

Abstract: This study mainly focuses on the role of Angle of Attack (AOA) Sensor and Manuevering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) in a Boeing Max 8 Flights which are involved in the crashes of Lion Air JT610 and Ethiopian Airlines ET302. The flight data recorder readings and other statistical readings of these involved flights is analysed to conclude the role of AOA Sensor and MCAS System. MCAS which is known as Manuevering Characteristics Augmentation System is a sensor based Algorithm which will keep the nose of the plane down depending on the inputs of two or either one of the two AOA Sensors deployed. An in-depth understanding of in-flight MCAS and how it was behaving in both flights, JT610 and ET302, is analysed in this study.

Keywords: AOA Sensor, Manuevering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS), Lion air JT610 and Ethiopian air ET302