In a significant development that raises fresh concerns about Boeing’s commitment to aircraft safety, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued an urgent safety warning about the company’s 737 model, including the highly scrutinized 737 MAX. The NTSB cautioned that a critical component within the rudder control system on some Boeing 737 NG and MAX planes could potentially fail, endangering flight operations.
The NTSB’s alert stems from an investigation into a February incident in which United Airlines pilots, flying a Boeing 737 MAX 8, experienced jammed rudder pedals while attempting to land at Newark Liberty International Airport. According to the NTSB, the rudder pedals became stuck in a neutral position, presenting an immediate hazard to the safe landing of the plane. The safety board expressed concerns about Boeing’s current procedures for addressing such a problem, warning that excessive force to correct a stuck rudder could cause sudden, dangerous movements, jeopardizing control of the aircraft.
“The amount of force that Boeing advises pilots to apply in response to a jammed rudder could lead to a sudden and undesired deflection of the rudder, creating the risk of losing control of the aircraft during landing,” the NTSB stated in its safety bulletin. The board is now calling on Boeing to develop an alternative solution and ensure pilots are adequately informed about the risks.
FAA and United Airlines Take Action Amid Rising Safety Concerns
Following the NTSB’s findings, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced it will convene a corrective action review board to address the issue and determine the necessary safety measures. United Airlines, the only U.S. carrier with aircraft affected by the faulty actuator, has already removed the problematic planes from service. The FAA confirmed that no other U.S. airlines currently use the specific actuator model in question.
Boeing’s response to the safety advisory was measured, with a company spokesperson confirming that Boeing is working closely with both the NTSB and FAA to assess the issue and implement corrective actions. However, the continued focus on Boeing’s safety protocols adds to the list of problems facing the company as it works to regain public trust.
A Long History of Setbacks: Boeing’s Troubled Past with the 737 MAX
This latest warning comes as Boeing struggles to recover from years of safety failures and production oversights, most notably the two catastrophic crashes of 737 MAX aircraft in 2018 and 2019. The crashes, which claimed the lives of 346 passengers, led to a global grounding of the 737 MAX for nearly two years and forced Boeing to redesign key systems, including the flawed MCAS (Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System) that was implicated in both accidents.
Despite the return of the 737 MAX to service, Boeing has faced persistent scrutiny over the safety of its planes. In January, a mid-air incident involving a 737 MAX operated by Alaska Airlines further dented the planemaker’s reputation. A door plug detached from the aircraft shortly after takeoff, triggering federal investigations into Boeing’s assembly practices. Investigators later discovered that the aircraft had left the production facility without the necessary bolts securing the door plug.
Boeing’s woes continued into 2023 when the company agreed to plead guilty to federal charges of misleading regulators during the original certification process for the 737 MAX. As part of a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice, Boeing now operates under the oversight of a court-appointed monitor to ensure compliance with enhanced safety regulations.
With the NTSB’s latest safety advisory, Boeing faces renewed pressure to prove that its planes meet the highest safety standards. The NTSB has signaled that immediate steps are required to prevent a catastrophic accident linked to the rudder actuator problem, adding another layer of complexity to Boeing’s ongoing efforts to rebuild its reputation.
This is a developing story that will be updated as new information emerges.
