NTSB alerts airlines globally of possible safety risks due to defective rudder actuators on Boeing 737s.
US officials warn over 40 airlines may be using Boeing 737 aircraft with faulty rudder parts, raising serious safety concerns. Learn about the NTSB’s recommendations and the FAA’s response.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has raised alarms over the possibility that more than 40 foreign airlines could be operating Boeing 737 aircraft with defective rudder components that pose serious safety risks. The alert follows an incident in February involving a United Airlines flight, prompting urgent safety recommendations from the NTSB.
In its warning, the NTSB pointed out that these potentially faulty rudder parts, known as rudder rollout guidance actuators, could cause a jammed control system, making the aircraft difficult to steer, especially during critical phases like landing. This concern was amplified after the NTSB learned that two foreign operators experienced similar issues in 2019. Many airlines may not be aware of these faulty components on their Boeing 737s, raising global safety concerns.
Incident Leading to the Alert
The NTSB’s investigation stems from a February incident in which the rudder pedals of a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8 became stuck in the neutral position during a landing at Newark Liberty International Airport. Fortunately, none of the 161 passengers or crew members were injured. However, the occurrence prompted an immediate investigation and safety recommendations, highlighting the importance of addressing the faulty rudder components.
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy voiced her concerns in a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), stating that the agency had not taken the issue seriously until the NTSB issued its urgent safety recommendations. “We are concerned about the possibility that other airlines are unaware of the presence of these actuators on their 737 airplanes,” Homendy wrote.
Extent of the Issue
The NTSB’s investigation revealed that at least 271 of these potentially faulty rudder actuators could be installed on Boeing 737 aircraft operated by foreign airlines, with around 16 parts still in use on U.S.-registered planes. In addition, up to 75 of these components may have been installed in aircraft as aftermarket parts.
United Airlines reported that nine of its Boeing 737s, originally built for other airlines, had the defective rudder components. However, United acted quickly, removing the parts from these aircraft earlier this year.
FAA’s Response and Actions
The FAA, after receiving the NTSB’s urgent safety recommendations, confirmed that it is taking the issue seriously. An FAA corrective action review board met on Friday, and the agency is planning additional simulator testing to examine the potential risks posed by these faulty parts.
The FAA is also set to convene a call with affected civil aviation authorities globally to ensure all operators have access to the necessary information and recommended actions. The FAA aims to work closely with both domestic and international airlines to ensure all planes with the defective components are promptly addressed.
Despite the NTSB’s report, the FAA confirmed that no U.S. airlines currently have 737s operating with the faulty actuators. These actuators were installed on some Boeing 737 Max and older 737 NG models that included an optional landing system.
Boeing’s Response
Boeing first alerted operators about the rudder issue back in August, informing them of the potential malfunction with the rudder rollout guidance actuators. While Boeing has not provided additional comments since the latest developments, the company had communicated the risk to airlines earlier in the year.
The Broader Impact
This revelation is part of a broader discussion on aircraft safety and how airlines manage risks associated with defective components. While the NTSB’s alert primarily affects foreign airlines, the scale of the issue indicates a global problem that demands immediate attention. Airlines must assess and rectify any potential dangers to prevent future incidents.
As Boeing continues to face scrutiny over its aircraft safety protocols, the latest safety recommendations could have long-term implications for the aviation industry’s regulatory environment and aircraft maintenance standards.
The NTSB’s alert is a stark reminder of the importance of safety and transparency in aviation. As the FAA works to address the issue with airlines worldwide, the aviation industry must remain vigilant in ensuring all aircraft, especially those equipped with potentially faulty components, are inspected and maintained for passenger safety.
