The Sriwijaya Airplane Crash in Indonesia Was Not the Discontinued Boeing 737 Max

INDONESIA - According to a nytimes.com aviation accident news report, the Boeing 737-500 jet that crashed near Jakarta was not a 737 Max.  This Boeing model is primarily used by smaller airlines throughout the world.*  There are approximately 100 still in service in countries such as Nigeria, Ukraine, and Russia.

The tragic Indonesia plane crash claimed over 60 souls.  In recent news, the Sriwijaya Airplane's black box was discovered, providing the Indonesian Navy divers the specific area to search for the downed Sriwijaya Airplane.  It is not clear why Sriwijaya Air Flight 182, heading to the Borneo city of Pontianak, crashed into the waters near Java Island.  According to the news reports, the airplane took off during a substantial monsoon season rainstorm.  The aircraft allegedly fell more than 10,000 feet in about one minute, according to the news report.

Unlike the doomed Boeing 737 Max, this Sriwijaya airplane was a Boeing 737-500.  This model of aircraft has been in operation for over 25 years and does not use the same anti-stall system that was developed for the Boeing 737 Max.  The Boeing 737 Max was discontinued and removed from service following two recent crashes - the 2018 Indonesian Lion Air Flight 610 and the Ethiopia 737 Max airplane crash in March 2019.  These two tragic aviation disasters required the grounding of all Boeing 737 Max planes throughout the world. 

Boeing recently agreed to pay out $2.5 billion to settle a "criminal conspiracy charge to defraud" the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with their over-evaluation of their 737 Max airplane.  The settlement includes $500 million to be set aside for a victims' fund.  

The Federal Aviation Administration granted the 737 Max to resume flying in December 2020.  Each 737 Max is required to receive wiring and software modifications.  Also, all pilots and support staff are required to receive special training.  

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Source:

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/10/business/boeing-737-indonesia-plane.htm