Human technology has it limits, reliability is one of them. The more complex systems we produce the less reliable they become. The correct course of action is not just blame the manufacturer but have a run book for every scenario of failure that makes sure the best outcome. System operation people are aware of this as much as emergency unit workers and pilots too. In this situation the pilots failed to follow the standard protocol to disengage the auto-pilot and safely navigate the plane like the previous flight team did.

Except that runaway trim is a MEMORY checklist item.

Literally - they should have the procedure here memorized, and there are LOTS of cutout options, from temp right at fingertips to cutoff switches.

The fact that the FAA issued an emergency order with instructions after this crash suggests to me this wasn't sufficiently covered by existing procedure. In fact:

> The FAA's directive orders airlines within three days to update flight manuals to include specific steps pilots should take to recover.