Summary
The Boeing 737 rudder component safety investigation has raised significant concerns regarding the potential for rudder control systems on various Boeing 737 models, including the MAX series, to jam during operations. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued urgent safety recommendations following incidents where rudder pedals became stuck, particularly highlighting issues related to moisture intrusion and improper assembly of actuator components.
In February 2024, a United Airlines Boeing 737 MAX experienced stuck rudder pedals while landing at Newark Liberty International Airport, prompting an investigation by the NTSB. Tests revealed that faulty actuators, supplied by Collins Aerospace, could allow moisture to freeze, leading to restricted movement of the rudder system. The NTSB has expressed concerns that at least 40 airlines outside the U.S. may be operating aircraft with these potentially defective components, and it criticized the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for downplaying the urgency of the situation. The NTSB has recommended changes to flight manuals to prevent pilots from applying excessive force to jammed rudders, which could exacerbate control issues and lead to dangerous situations, including runway excursions.
Key Findings and Recommendations
-
Faulty Actuators: Investigations revealed that the sealed bearings in some actuators were incorrectly assembled, making them vulnerable to moisture intrusion. This defect has affected over 353 actuator units delivered to Boeing since 2017.
-
Pilot Instructions: The NTSB has advised that existing flight manual instructions, which suggest pilots apply maximum force to jammed rudders, could result in unintended loss of control. The Board has urged Boeing to revise these instructions to enhance safety.
-
Regulatory Response: The FAA has been criticized for its slow response to the NTSB’s findings and for maintaining that the affected actuators were no longer in service, despite evidence suggesting otherwise. The NTSB has called for more proactive measures from the FAA to ensure all operators are informed about the potential risks.
-
Global Impact: The issue extends beyond U.S. airlines, with concerns that foreign carriers may also be operating affected aircraft. The NTSB’s recommendations aim to alert all operators to the risks associated with these components.
This investigation underscores ongoing challenges and scrutiny faced by Boeing in maintaining safety standards, especially following previous incidents involving the 737 MAX series.
NTSB letter rebukes FAA, suggesting more needs to be done about new 737 safety guidance
Oct. 1 / Usa Today / Highlights the NTSB's critical letter to the FAA, showcasing regulatory tensions. The article effectively conveys the urgency of the situation but could include more technical details about the actuators. “ The chair of the National Transportation Safety Board issued a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration administrator Tuesday saying the FAA did not...
Urgent Boeing safety issue isn't being taken seriously by the FAA, key regulator says
Oct. 1 / Wcvb / Focuses on the NTSB chair's rebuke of the FAA, providing an insider perspective on regulatory dynamics. It effectively captures the seriousness of the issue but lacks a broader context of Boeing's history. “ The head of the National Transportation Safety Board blasted the Federal Aviation Administration, saying the agency is not taking seriously enough the...
Urgent Boeing safety issue isn't being taken seriously by the FAA, key regulator says
Oct. 1 / Wcvb / Presents a critical view of the FAA's response to safety issues, emphasizing the NTSB's growing frustration. The article is well-structured but could benefit from more detailed technical explanations of the actuator failures. “ The head of the National Transportation Safety Board blasted the Federal Aviation Administration, saying the agency is not taking seriously enough the...
The FAA just got told off for not taking Boeing 737 Max rudder problems more seriously
Oct. 1 / Insider / Addresses the NTSB's concerns about the FAA's handling of the situation, providing a thorough overview. While informative, it could streamline some sections to maintain reader engagement throughout. “ The NTSB chair accused the FAA of "downplaying" issues with some Boeing 737 Max jets. Jennifer Homendy said more than 40 airlines outside the US could be...
Boeing's 737 safety mess just got worse
Oct. 1 / Business Insider / Offers a broader perspective by mentioning the global implications of the actuator issue, indicating that the problem extends beyond U.S. airlines. It effectively underscores ongoing scrutiny of Boeing's safety practices. “ The National Transportation Safety Board has more concerns about Boeing's planes. It said at least 40 airlines outside the US may be operating aircraft with...
Safety board says pedals used to steer Boeing Max jets on runways can get stuck
Sep. 27 / Chicago Tribune / Summarizes the NTSB's recommendations and the specific incident involving United Airlines, making it informative. However, it could enhance its authority by incorporating expert opinions or industry analysis. “ WASHINGTON — Safety investigators are making “urgent” recommendations to Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration after determining pedals that pilots...
U.S. regulator urges safety checks on some Boeing 737 rudders
Sep. 27 / Raw Story / Highlights the NTSB's urgent safety recommendations regarding Boeing 737 rudders, providing a clear timeline of events. The source, AFP, is reputable, ensuring the information is credible and well-contextualized. “ New York (AFP) – The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on Thursday issued "urgent safety recommendations" regarding the rudder systems on...
Critical safety alert: Boeing 737 rudder malfunction linked to cold conditions, NTSB warns
Sep. 26 / Usa Today / Offers a comprehensive summary of the NTSB's findings and recommendations, effectively linking to past incidents. The article is well-rounded but could enhance its impact with more direct quotes from key stakeholders. “ The National Transportation Safety Board Thursday issued an urgent warning to airlines that fly the Boeing 737, saying an issue first seen on a United...
NTSB warns of defective runway-steering pedals in some Boeing 737 Max jets
Sep. 27 / Marketwatch / Concise and direct, it emphasizes the critical nature of the NTSB's findings and the implications for Boeing and the FAA. However, it lacks depth and could benefit from more background on previous safety issues. “ WASHINGTON — Safety investigators are making “urgent” recommendations to Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration after determining pedals that pilots...
Urgent safety alert on Boeing 737s, MAX issued; NTSB says critical flight controls could jam
Sep. 26 / Wcpo / Highlights the urgent NTSB alert regarding potential rudder control issues in Boeing 737s, providing specific details on the incident and actuator failures, though it could benefit from more expert commentary. “ Embattled plane-maker Boeing has been dealt another major blow after the National Transportation Safety Board issued an urgent alert on Thursday warning the...
Faulty parts in some Boeing 737s may jam rudder control system, warns NTSB
Sep. 27 / Business Standard / Covers the essential information regarding the NTSB's warning but lacks detailed analysis. The focus on Boeing's collaboration with suppliers is positive, yet it could delve deeper into the implications for airlines. “ Boeing said it's working with its supplier to develop additional guidance to address the potential condition with the rudder system