KNKT.18.10.35.04 On 29 October 2018, a Lion Air Boeing 737-MAX 8 crew had difficulty controlling the aircraft in pitch almost immediately after a day takeoff from Jakarta. After failing to resolve the problem, the crew decided to return to the departure airport. No abnormal or emergency status was declared, but after approximately 11 minutes airborne, contact was lost and it was found that sea surface impact had destroyed the aircraft. Successful management of apparently similar pitch control problems during the aircrafts previous flight, after which there had been maintenance input before release to service for the accident flight, has been noted. The Investigation is continuing.