Computer malfunction may have caused a rapid loss in altitude on a Qantas passenger aircraft

Airline investigators in Australia announced on 8 October 2008 that they believe a computer malfunction may have caused a rapid loss in altitude on a Qantas passenger aircraft on 7 October. Officials at the Australian Transport Safety Board (ATSB) stated that the aircraft apparently pitched down and dropped 6,500 ft/2,000 m suddenly because of a glitch in the automatic elevator control system. Qantas representatives told reporters that 20 passengers were seriously injured in the incident and continue to receive medical care. Although the exact nature of the computer failure has not been determined, ground crews have dismantled parts of the aircraft to inspect the electrical elevator controls. ATSB investigators stated that Qantas and Airbus, the manufacturer of the aircraft, are cooperating fully with the investigation, which is expected to last several months.