NTSB Issues Urgent Safety Advisory for Boeing 737 Models, Including the 737 MAX, as Planemaker Faces Renewed Scrutiny

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued an urgent safety advisory for certain Boeing 737 models, including the troubled 737 MAX, warning of a potential failure in a critical flight control system. The warning comes as Boeing continues to grapple with a series of high-profile setbacks, casting further doubt on the safety of its most popular aircraft amid mounting concerns from regulators and the aviation industry.

The NTSB’s latest alert focuses on an actuator connected to the rudder system in some 737 Next Generation (NG) and 737 MAX aircraft, which the agency says could jam or fail during flight operations. The warning follows an investigation into a February incident in which pilots of a United Airlines 737 MAX 8, while landing at Newark Liberty International Airport, reported that their rudder pedals became stuck in the neutral position, compromising their ability to steer the aircraft during a critical phase of flight.

In a statement, the NTSB underscored the severity of the issue, expressing concern that current Boeing procedures may not adequately address the risks posed by a jammed rudder actuator. According to the agency, Boeing’s flight manual instructs pilots to apply maximum force to override the jammed controls, potentially requiring both pilots to exert substantial physical effort. However, the NTSB noted that this approach could lead to unintended consequences, particularly during landing or rollout, when excessive force could cause the rudder to deflect suddenly and dramatically, potentially resulting in a loss of control or a runway excursion.

The NTSB is urging Boeing to develop alternative solutions to address the problem and to promptly notify pilots and airlines about the potential risks. “The current guidance may not be sufficient to prevent an accident in the event of a jammed rudder actuator, and more immediate action is required to safeguard flight operations,” the agency said.

This urgent advisory represents yet another blow to Boeing’s reputation, which has been repeatedly tarnished by safety concerns in recent years. The company is already contending with the fallout from a series of high-profile incidents, including a mid-air door blowout on a 737 MAX operated by Alaska Airlines in January and an ongoing labor strike involving 33,000 employees that has disrupted production.

FAA and United Airlines Respond to Safety Concerns

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) responded swiftly to the NTSB’s recommendations, announcing that it will convene a corrective action review board later this week to determine the next steps in addressing the issue. The FAA emphasized that it is closely monitoring the situation and remains in communication with both Boeing and affected airlines. United Airlines, the only U.S. carrier currently operating 737s equipped with the faulty rudder actuator, has taken the affected aircraft out of service pending further investigation and safety checks.

A spokesperson for Boeing confirmed that the company is working with the FAA and NTSB to address the concerns raised in the safety advisory but did not provide further details on the timeline for corrective measures or potential impacts on airline operations. Boeing’s stock, already battered by recent challenges, saw additional pressure following the release of the NTSB report.

A Troubling Track Record: Boeing’s Series of Safety Failures

Boeing’s recent troubles are not confined to the rudder actuator issue. Over the past five years, the aerospace giant has been embroiled in a series of safety-related scandals that have severely tarnished its reputation and resulted in significant financial losses. Most notably, two fatal crashes involving the 737 MAX—one in Indonesia in October 2018 and another in Ethiopia in March 2019—claimed the lives of 346 people and led to a global grounding of the aircraft for nearly two years. Subsequent investigations revealed that a design flaw in the aircraft’s Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) was the primary cause of the crashes.

The 737 MAX was eventually cleared to fly again in late 2020, but Boeing’s recovery has been anything but smooth. In January of this year, an Alaska Airlines flight had a close call when a door plug on a 737 MAX blew off shortly after takeoff, sparking federal investigations that revealed critical assembly flaws. According to investigators, the aircraft left Boeing’s factory missing several key components, including four bolts required to secure the door plug in place.

In the wake of these incidents, Boeing has faced mounting scrutiny from federal regulators and lawmakers, and the company has been forced to make sweeping changes to its safety protocols and production processes. In a significant development earlier this year, Boeing agreed to plead guilty to criminal charges of deceiving the FAA during the initial certification process for the 737 MAX. Under the terms of a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice, Boeing will be monitored by a court-appointed compliance officer for several years, as the company seeks to restore trust with regulators, customers, and the flying public.

As Boeing contends with these ongoing challenges, the NTSB’s urgent safety warning serves as a stark reminder that the road to recovery remains long and fraught with obstacles. The aviation industry will be watching closely in the coming days as Boeing and the FAA work to address the latest concerns raised about the safety of the 737 fleet.

This story is still developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.

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