Source – 10news.com
Concerns Over Rudder Controls Prompt Action
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued an urgent safety alert for certain Boeing 737 models, including the troubled 737 MAX series. The warning comes after the NTSB discovered that the actuator linked to the rudder in some 737 NG and 737 MAX planes could malfunction, potentially jamming critical flight controls. This recommendation followed an investigation into a February incident involving a United Airlines 737 MAX 8. Pilots reported that their rudder pedals became stuck in a neutral position while landing in Newark, raising serious concerns about the plane’s safety.
The NTSB has urged Boeing to devise a solution and to immediately notify pilots about the issue. According to the agency, Boeing’s current flight manual instructs pilots to use maximum force if the rudder jams. However, the NTSB is worried that such actions during a landing could cause sudden, unintended movements, potentially leading to a loss of control or runway mishaps. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also weighed in, stating it is closely monitoring the situation. The FAA is expected to convene a review board to decide on the next steps for addressing the issue.
Boeing Faces Increasing Challenges
This latest warning adds to Boeing’s growing list of problems. Earlier this year, the company was hit with a series of negative headlines. In January, a door plug blew out mid-flight on an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX, triggering federal investigations. Most recently, the company has been dealing with labor unrest, as 33,000 workers went on strike earlier this month. The National Transportation Safety Board’s new warning is a significant blow to Boeing’s reputation, which has been under intense scrutiny due to multiple safety concerns in recent years.
The 737 MAX line, in particular, has been plagued by issues, including two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019 that killed 346 people. These incidents led to a 20-month grounding of the aircraft and forced Boeing to overhaul the plane’s design. The company has also agreed to plead guilty to federal criminal charges for misleading the FAA during its initial investigation of the 737 MAX crashes. The plea deal with the U.S. Justice Department includes oversight by a court-appointed monitor.
FAA and Airlines Respond
In response to the National Transportation Safety Board’s recommendations, the FAA has confirmed that United Airlines is the only U.S. carrier operating 737s with the affected rudder components. United has since removed the components from use. The FAA’s corrective action review board will meet on Friday to determine how to proceed based on the NTSB’s interim findings. Boeing, meanwhile, has yet to issue a public comment.
The combination of safety concerns, mechanical failures, and legal issues continues to tarnish Boeing’s standing in the aviation industry. As federal investigations mount and corrective actions loom, the company must work swiftly to restore trust and ensure the safety of its aircraft.
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