Travica, B. Aircraft Automation and Fatal Accidents 1 Beware of Dog: Aircraft Automation And Fatal Accidents Bob Travica University of Manitoba, Canada bob.travica@umanitoba.ca CONFERENCE PAPER DRAFT 1.1 (slight adjustments of terminology) NOT FOR CITATION (Reactions appreciated) Abstract This conceptual study explores the causes of two fatal air traffic accidents of Boeing 737 MAX airplanes by taking an infoculture approach. The level of computerization of this type of airplane makes it a relevant subject of information systems research. Using still incomplete evidence and available expert analysis, this exploration focuses on the relationship between pilots and computer systems in the context of flight as well as on the relationship between system designers and pilots in their organizational contexts. The study has implications for metaphor-based research in infoculture, philosophy of information systems, and practical scoping of automation in various domains. Keywords: Automation, risk, system design, aviation, Boeing, Airbus, informing culture, information system philosophy 1. Introduction Two Boeing 737 MAX airplanes crashed recently, killing all 346 passengers and crew members aboard. These tragic events can be viewed as a research case although more complete evidence is yet to surface. The case has a technological, management, and social importance. The relationship between human factor and technology, and technology quality are standard topics in information systems (IS) research. In the case of crashed planes, these topics apply to the pilots and particular systems on the ill-fated planes. IS research is also interested in the management of technology in use as well as of the technology development. The crashed planes case indicates remarkable facts about interaction between pilots and the particular systems on the planes. Moreover, society at large is currently concerned with the scope of automation in decision making, a theme resonating with ongoing discussions on pros and cons of artificial intelligence. The crashing of Boeing planes has caused a global anxiety and it is likely to stir up discussions on automation. Given these reasons, the case of crashed Boeing planes represents an important and interesting topic for IS research.