Autothrottle Issues in Aviation

Tarom Flight 371 crashed near Bucharest, prompting an investigation into mechanical issues, particularly with the autothrottle. Investigators found that the autothrottle had a history of malfunctioning, causing engine power discrepancies. Despite the pilot's awareness and previous reports of the issue, the problem persisted, raising questions about its role in the crash.

Where did Tarom Flight 371 crash?

• In the ocean

• In a forest

• Near a local train station

• On a mountain

What was the main focus of the initial investigation?

• Pilot error

• Weather conditions

• Mechanical soundness of the aircraft

• Air traffic control issues

What recurring issue was found with the aircraft?

• Landing gear problems

• Autothrottle malfunction

• Navigation system failure

• Fuel leakage

How did the autothrottle issue affect the engines?

• It increased fuel consumption

• It placed the two engines at different power settings

• It caused the engines to overheat

• It caused both engines to shut down

Who discovered the autothrottle issue had been a long-standing problem?

• The maintenance crew

• The co-pilot

• The lead investigator

• The captain

What did the captain do when he encountered the autothrottle issue previously?

• Ignored it

• Cancelled the flight

• Reported it in the logbook and managed it

• Requested a new aircraft

How many complaints about the autothrottle issue were there in the last year?

• Almost two dozen

• None

• Over a hundred

• A few

What did the captain do to manage the faulty thrust lever?

• Held it from moving back

• Replaced it

• Ignored it

• Turned off the engine

What is the main question raised in the final section?

• How the autothrottle issue could cause the accident despite being known

• What the weather conditions were

• Why the plane crashed

• Who was responsible for the crash

What was the captain's response to the autothrottle issue according to the logbook?

• He followed the briefing card instructions

• He requested immediate maintenance

• He switched to manual control

• He ignored it