The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued a series of urgent safety recommendations affecting certain Boeing 737 models, including the troubled 737 MAX series. This action comes amid concerns that critical flight controls could potentially jam, raising serious safety risks for operators and passengers alike.
In a recent investigation, the NTSB identified a malfunction involving an actuator attached to the rudder in some Boeing 737 Next Generation (NG) and 737 MAX aircraft. The warning follows an incident in February when pilots of a United Airlines MAX 8 experienced stuck rudder pedals while attempting to land in Newark, New Jersey. The rudder pedals reportedly became “stuck” in a neutral position, prompting further investigation by the agency.
Potential for Loss of Control
The NTSB’s investigation has raised alarms about the dangers posed by a jammed rudder system. In their official statement, the agency warned that if the system jams during critical flight moments, such as landing or rollout, it could cause pilots to lose control of the aircraft. “The amount of force needed to overpower a jammed rudder may result in a sudden, large rudder deflection, potentially leading to loss of control or an unintentional runway departure,” the NTSB said.
In response to these findings, the agency has recommended that Boeing develop alternative solutions to address the issue and immediately alert pilots about the potential risk. The NTSB’s call for action is another blow to Boeing, which has faced a turbulent few years marred by multiple safety incidents.
Boeing Faces Mounting Challenges
The NTSB’s latest warning is part of a broader set of challenges Boeing has faced in recent years. The company’s reputation has been significantly tarnished by a series of high-profile incidents, including two fatal crashes involving its 737 MAX jets in 2018 and 2019. The crashes, which killed a combined total of 346 people, were linked to design flaws in the aircraft and led to a 20-month worldwide grounding of the 737 MAX fleet.
In addition to those tragedies, Boeing has been dealing with quality control concerns, including a January incident in which a door plug blew off a 737 MAX mid-flight. The door plug failure, which occurred on an Alaska Airlines flight shortly after takeoff, exposed further deficiencies in Boeing’s production processes—specifically, a failure to install four crucial bolts on the aircraft.
These ongoing problems have not only impacted Boeing’s reputation but have also had serious financial implications for the company, contributing to a decline in its market value and shareholder confidence. In an attempt to move past the scandals, Boeing has agreed to plead guilty to federal criminal charges related to deceiving the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) during the investigation into the 737 MAX crashes. The company will now operate under a court-appointed monitor as part of its settlement with the U.S. Justice Department.
FAA Responds to NTSB’s Recommendations
In response to the NTSB’s safety warnings, the FAA has confirmed that it is “monitoring the situation closely” and will convene a corrective action review board on Friday to evaluate the agency’s interim recommendations. The FAA also revealed that United Airlines is currently the only U.S. carrier using 737 models equipped with the problematic components, though they have since ceased using the affected planes.
Boeing, meanwhile, has not yet issued a public comment on the NTSB’s findings or recommendations. The company remains under intense scrutiny, as it works to restore public trust and improve safety standards in its fleet.
Credit: CNN
