Boeing’s ongoing struggle with safety concerns has intensified following a critical safety advisory issued by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) regarding the company’s 737 NG and 737 MAX aircraft. The NTSB warned that a vital actuator attached to the rudder system of these models could fail, potentially causing the rudder to become unresponsive during flight.
The safety alert stems from a February incident where pilots of a United Airlines 737 MAX 8 reported that their rudder pedals were stuck in the neutral position while attempting to land at Newark Liberty International Airport. This mechanical failure severely limited the pilots’ ability to control the plane, raising alarms about the reliability of the system during critical phases of flight.
The NTSB expressed particular concern about Boeing’s current guidance for pilots in such situations. According to Boeing’s flight manual, pilots are instructed to apply maximum force to override the jammed rudder. However, the NTSB has warned that this method could result in sudden and extreme rudder movements, potentially leading to a loss of control during landing or takeoff.
The safety board is urging Boeing to develop a more effective solution and to issue immediate warnings to pilots and airlines about the potential risk.
FAA, Airlines, and Boeing Under Pressure to Act
In response to the NTSB’s recommendations, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced plans to convene a corrective action review board to assess the situation and determine appropriate measures. United Airlines, the only U.S. airline using the specific rudder actuator cited by the NTSB, has already removed affected aircraft from its fleet until further inspections and repairs can be completed.
Boeing’s response to the advisory has been cautious but cooperative. The company confirmed that it is collaborating with federal regulators to resolve the issue and ensure the safety of its aircraft. However, the added scrutiny places Boeing in a difficult position as it works to recover from a series of high-profile safety failures.
Boeing’s Long Struggle with Safety Oversights and Regulatory Scrutiny
The safety warning is the latest in a string of challenges for Boeing, particularly concerning the 737 MAX, which was grounded globally following two tragic crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia between 2018 and 2019. Investigations revealed a critical flaw in the MAX’s flight control system, known as MCAS, which was directly linked to the crashes that claimed 346 lives. Since then, Boeing has been under intense scrutiny to prove that its aircraft meet the highest safety standards.
Despite being cleared to return to service, the 737 MAX has been plagued by additional safety incidents, including a door malfunction on a flight operated by Alaska Airlines in January. Investigations revealed assembly errors at Boeing’s production facilities, prompting further questions about the company’s quality control and production processes.
Boeing’s reputation has been severely damaged by these issues, and the company has been forced to make sweeping changes to its internal safety practices. Earlier this year, Boeing agreed to plead guilty to charges of deceiving the FAA during the original certification of the 737 MAX. As part of the settlement, Boeing is now subject to oversight by a court-appointed compliance officer tasked with ensuring that the company adheres to federal safety standards. The NTSB’s latest warning underscores the seriousness of Boeing’s ongoing safety challenges. As the planemaker works to address these concerns, the aviation industry and the public will be watching closely to see whether Boeing can restore confidence in its planes and its safety protocols.
