Summary
Over 40 foreign airlines may be operating Boeing 737 aircraft equipped with potentially faulty rudder components, as warned by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The NTSB identified 271 parts that could fail and jam the rudder control system, a critical issue that arose during an investigation of a February incident involving a United Airlines flight.
The investigation revealed that the rudder pedals on the affected Boeing 737 Max became stuck in a neutral position during landing, necessitating alternate control methods by the flight crew. The NTSB’s tests on the rudder control system indicated that moisture accumulation due to improper assembly of the actuator’s sealed bearing could lead to freezing and subsequent malfunction in cold weather conditions. Collins Aerospace, the manufacturer of the actuator, has supplied over 353 affected units since 2017, impacting both the 737NG and 737 Max models. In light of these findings, the NTSB has urged the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to assess the necessity of removing these actuators from service to ensure passenger safety.
Safety Recommendations and Industry Response
The NTSB’s urgent safety recommendations have prompted concerns about the awareness of airlines regarding the presence of these faulty components. While Boeing notified some operators of a potential issue, the NTSB expressed apprehension that many airlines may remain uninformed. The FAA has stated it is taking the NTSB’s recommendations seriously and has scheduled further simulator testing to evaluate the risks associated with the actuator failures.
Broader Implications for Boeing
This situation adds to Boeing’s ongoing challenges with the 737 Max series, which has faced scrutiny following two fatal crashes and other safety incidents. The company is currently navigating regulatory and public relations difficulties while continuing to generate significant revenue. The NTSB’s findings underscore the critical need for stringent oversight and proactive measures to ensure the safety of commercial aviation.
Dozens of airlines could have Boeing jets with risky rudder parts
Oct. 1 / Quartz / Combines information from Jalopnik with additional context, making it informative. However, it mirrors content from other articles without offering significant new insights, which may dilute its uniqueness. “ The National Transportation Safety Board warned over 40 foreign airlines on Tuesday that their Boeing 737 planes may be fitted with potentially dangerous...
NTSB letter rebukes FAA, suggesting more needs to be done about new 737 safety guidance
Oct. 1 / Usa Today / Highlights the NTSB's critical stance towards the FAA, providing insight into regulatory tensions. Offers unique details on the number of affected parts and the timeline of incidents, enhancing context. “ The chair of the National Transportation Safety Board issued a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration administrator Tuesday saying the FAA did not...
Urgent warning to Boeing operators: Your rudders may be faulty
Oct. 1 / Fast Company / Presents a succinct summary of the NTSB's warnings, but lacks specific details about the airlines involved. It includes responses from various carriers, enriching the narrative but could benefit from more depth. “ The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board has said more than 40 foreign operators of Boeing 737 airplanes may be using planes with rudder components that...
Over 40 Airlines Could Be Flying Boeing Jets With Risky Rudder Parts
Oct. 1 / Jalopnik / Delivers a comprehensive overview of the NTSB's investigation while emphasizing the technical failures of the rudder components. The article effectively connects this issue to Boeing's ongoing challenges, adding depth. “ The National Transportation Safety Board warned over 40 foreign airlines on Tuesday that their Boeing 737 planes may be fitted with potentially dangerous...