Urgent Safety Recommendations for Boeing 737s
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued urgent safety recommendations regarding the rudder system of certain Boeing 737 aircraft. This alert raises concerns about the overall safety of these planes, especially in light of previous crashes involving the 737 MAX 8 that resulted in 346 fatalities. The recent recommendation follows a concerning incident on February 6, when a United Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 experienced rudder pedal malfunction while taxiing at Newark Airport. Thankfully, the plane remained undamaged, and all 155 passengers and crew members were unharmed.
Defective Actuator Component Under Scrutiny
The NTSB's recommendations stem from a defect found in a guidance actuator manufactured by Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX. A poorly installed seal allowed moisture to infiltrate the actuator, which can freeze under certain conditions, potentially hindering the rudder's movements. Collins Aerospace has reported that over 353 of these defective actuators were delivered to Boeing since February 2017, affecting the tail fins of various 737 NG and 737 MAX models. Currently, United Airlines is believed to be the only airline operating aircraft with this specific defect.
FAA's Next Steps and Ongoing Challenges for Boeing
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is now tasked with determining whether these faulty actuators should be removed from service. They have been closely monitoring the NTSB's investigation and have scheduled a meeting to discuss the next steps. This incident adds to Boeing's ongoing challenges, which include a strike at several manufacturing plants and scrutiny over various technical issues. Under the leadership of new CEO Kelly Ortberg, who took the helm on August 8, Boeing aims to address these pressing concerns and restore confidence in its aircraft.
