Sounds like if the cover is broken or loose, it can jam the switch in the operate position.

That may technically be possible however implausible.

It's what happened. Boeing issued a memo today. All operators need to inspect the covers and switches.

https://youtube.com/shorts/7DLNKU2wEjM

Sounds like that switch may be better off left uncovered.

Even that will not force the pilot to push on the yoke as hard as you have to.
Unless he is an absolute moron.

I think the tray must have been between himself and the yoke, or he was sitting half turned and was caught in between. Very strange chain of events.

I heard of a similiar incidence once at a different airline when a FA sat down (sideways) in the F/O seat as he was taking a lav break. When she went to get up she placed her hand down on the flap lever deploying the flaps at cruise.

The seat doesn't move that fast.

Or perhaps this is all an excuse, and in reality it's a case of "hey you wanna fly this plane, take a seat!"

Its quite likely the pilot told the passenger nothing or something the passenger wildly misquoted or misunderstood.

Its not what happened. Boeing is simply covering every possible eventuality. No pun intended!

Saw an article that Boeing had a Sevice Bulletion back in 2017 for operators to inspect the cover over the seat travel swtich located behind the pilot seats headrest. .

Trays, crossed legs, partially in or out of the seat, has also been involved with inadvertant yoke pushing.